It was a fine October morning of Lahore in 2009, and I remember standing in the lawns next to Ali Auditorium, watching queues of children coming for the 2nd Lahore International Children’s Film Festival.
A journalist from Dawn came to the Festival early morning for a feature. We kept walking around and chatting till the first show started. In the middle of the conversation, I was asked to come to the projection room. I invited the journalist as well.
Seated in the projection room where we could only see the screen and hear low audio, the journalist asked me; “So why are you organising a film festival for children?” And before I could answer him, we heard a very loud collective laugh from the auditorium where close to 400 children were watching the show and laughing.
I said, “this is perhaps the most important reason. They are sitting together, watching an amazing film and laughing together.” I remember having tears of joy at the moment in my eyes.
I did not know that our journey would create so many more festivals and events for children, avenues for youth to be engaged and learn from each other and almost a decade and a half will be passed in just a blink.
Over the past 14 years, we have benefited thousands of children and youth across Pakistan, engaged hundreds of parents, teachers and volunteers through our festivals, workshops and exhibitions.
Lately, I have been thinking if there is any long term impact we have had through our work on the lives of our audience. It would be great to know you and hear some stories.
Shoaib Iqbal, Founder, The Little Art
See this link to submit details or hook us up with the right people!
(Image Copyright: The Little Art, Children at 2nd Lahore International Children’s Film, Lahore, Pakistan)
