Government College University's Young Journalist Society (YJS) Monday organised inter-university documentary competition on the theme of social issues. Above 70 producers and directors from 10 educational institutions including Punjab University, FC College University, University of South Asia, SICAS and Allama Iqbal Medical College took part in the competition and presented documentaries on the prevailing social issues.
Fatima Jinnah College for Girls won the competition as they presented the beautifully directed and produced documentary "Zindagi Tamasha Bani". The documentary showed the darker side of life; ignored individuals (eunuchs) who have been rejected by the society socially, politically and economically.
"Fatima Jinnah College for Girls depicted a highly sensitive issue with great perfection and they really deserve the first prize," said GCU Dean Faculty of Arts Dr Khalid Pervaiz while addressing the prize distribution ceremony. The 10-minute documentary also included interviews of eunuchs.
The documentary of National College of Arts "JAM" bagged second position in which the problem of traffic mess in Lahore was highlighted. The documentary also included interviews of traffic wardens and drivers belonging to various age groups.
Showing the perceptions of various individuals in the documentary, the documentary aimed to address the traffic system and the psyche of drivers. Third position in the competition was secured by Lahore College for Women University for their documentary "A by Standard by the Way". The documentary addressed the problem of child labour.
It depicted how talented children of this country are forced to work at an early age. Instead of having books in their hands, our society gives them filth to collect with their small hands. Education is not less than a dream for them; the documentary was a true eye-opener.
Senior television Producer Agha Iqrar Haroon, GCU Dramatics Club adviser Dr Farhan Ebadat Yar Khan and noted philosopher Mirza Ather Baig adjudicated the competitors. Addressing the students, Agha Iqrar Haroon said future of journalism in the country seems to be bright as the amateur artists have showed high professionalism in making the documentaries. He expressed pleasure that directors and producers at the competition demonstrated strong command on camera and technicalities." Dr Khalid Pervaiz and Professor Mirza Athar Baig congratulated the team of YJS for bringing young producers and directors from various educational institutions to the arena where they competed to make the best documentary.