US Consulate Karachi invited Hollywood directors Martha Mitchell and Andy Merkin to visit Pakistan as part of the US Department of State's American Film Showcase in partnership with the University of Southern California's Film School, Hunerkada College of Visual and Performing Arts and the 60 Second International Film Festival - a project by Morango Films.
The festival showcased several Pakistani and American short films, including an award ceremony. The two American filmmakers chaired a roundtable discussion on "Pakistani New Wave Cinema: Triumphs and Challenges." Prominent Pakistani film personalities Mirza Jamshed Mehmood (Jami), Nadeem Mandviwala and FakhreAlam participated as did industry professionals and students. Mitchell and Merkin will also host a two-day workshop on transmedia storytelling, art direction and production processes to share best practices with more than 30young Pakistani filmmakers.
The American Film Showcase is the US government's premier American film diplomacy program, which organises film screenings and workshops with American filmmakers around the world. Based at the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts, the program has visited 67 countries, screened 117 films, and reached more than 10,000 participants over the past three years. The US government invests more than $30 million each year in cultural programs that promote the visual and performing arts, women's empowerment, and entrepreneurship. For more information about the American Film Showcase and similar US government-sponsored programs, please visit http://americanfilmshowcase.usc.edu/and www.exchanges.state.gov/us/program/american-film-showcase.-PR