Two-time Academy Award-winning filmmaker, Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, in partnership with the Scottish Documentary Institute and the British Council, proudly announces the launch of the latest iteration of PatakhaPictures’ filmmaking mentorship and funding program, “Stories She Tells”. This 6-month program calls for stories of resilience around the themes of climate change, female empowerment, music and culture. The program is open to women of all ages (18+) from across Pakistan and is accepting applications until May 11th, 2025.
Launched to empower and support a new generation of Pakistani storytellers, Patakha Pictures’ programs provide mentorship and funding for filmmakers to create short documentaries that illuminate important issues and resonate with global audiences. With six successful programs completed, funding and mentoring the next generation of truth seekers and storytellers, “Stories She Tells “ marks the seventh program of its kind.
Interested applicants must apply in pairs and submit a film idea on the following themes: climate change, women empowerment, music and culture within the application form that is available for download on their website. Patakha Pictures will provide the four selected pairs with funding to direct and produce their short films, along with mentorship from an international filmmaking expert. These sessions will cover storytelling, narrative development, character building, direction, sound design, editing, and more. The program culminates in a celebratory closing event in Karachi, officially launching the completed films.
“Climate change, culture, and women’s voices are deeply connected,” says Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, Founder of PatakhaPictures. “As traditions are eroded and climate shifts reshape our lives, it is often women—storytellers, artists, caretakers—who hold the line, preserving memory and meaning. Patakha is giving female filmmakers the tools, the resources, and the mentorship they need to tell urgent, personal stories. This isn’t just about documenting the present—it’s about empowering women to reshape the narratives around identity, belonging, and change.”
“The British Council is delighted to continue our partnership with SOC-Patakha Films and SDI for the latest edition of this inspiring documentary film mentorship programme. Supporting the first cohort was a truly rewarding experience — witnessing young women filmmakers grow, learn, and have their work showcased both locally and internationally was a testament to the programme’s impact. We’re thrilled to be part of this journey once again and look forward to the stories, creativity, and fresh perspectives that will emerge from this new cohort”, says Director Arts, Laila Jamil at the British Council.
Since launching in 2022, Patakha Pictures‘ mentorship programs have supported 61 filmmakers and won more than 20 awards. So far, these powerful films have been screened and recognised at over 50 film festivals around the world — Pakistan, the UK, USA, South Korea, UAE, Sri Lanka, Australia, Canada, Philippines, Tunisia, and Oman. The Patakhafilms have made their mark at major events like the New York International Women Festival 2024, Berlin Shorts Awards, Milan Indie Film Festival 2024, SDGs Short Film Festival, Women Life Freedom Festival, Women International Film Festival, Rung Film Festival, South Asian Film Festival of Montreal, Gandhara Independent Film Festival, Caravan International Film Festival, Rohip International Film Festivaland many more.
Call to Action:
Aspiring women filmmakers aged 18 and above, from all regions across Pakistan, are welcome to apply for this program at: https://patakhapictures.com/index.php/herearthadvocates/
Applications are open from 25th April 2025, and workshops will commence in June 2025.
PATAKHA PICTURES is an initiative of SOC Films.
For more information, and to apply, please visit www.patakhapictures.com and https://www.instagram.com/patakha_pictures/
