Jeddah, December 9, 2025: During a powerful panel discussion here earlier today at the Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF ’25), Pakistan’s creative delegation — proudly represented by Atiqa Odho and Shahzad Nawaz — reaffirmed its commitment to advancing cinematic storytelling, cultural diplomacy, and creative collaboration on the world stage.
Hosted at Souk Forum 1, Jeddah, the session spotlighted Pakistan’s dynamic evolution in the global content and media ecosystem. Moderated by celebrated Saudi-born Pakistani presenter Omair Shaikh, the panel featured influential voices leading Pakistan’s cultural narrative internationally: Atiqa Odho, actor, producer, and women’s empowerment advocate; Shahzad Nawaz, filmmaker, creative visionary, and cultural strategist; and Noshien Ahmed Waseem, cultural leader and strategic connector for Pakistan at RSIFF.
The conversation explored Pakistan’s growing creative economy, the rising global demand for original South Asian storytelling, and the immense opportunity for cross-cultural co-productions. Panelists highlighted how international platforms such as Netflix, Amazon, and HBO Max commissioning content in Pakistan signal a transformative shift — placing the country at the forefront of a new media era beyond traditional television and film.
Representing the strength and capability of Pakistan’s creative industry, Atiqa Odho brought a powerful perspective rooted in decades of storytelling, advocacy, and industry leadership. Shahzad Nawaz emphasized Pakistan’s expanding cultural footprint while playing a pivotal role in shaping its national identity at the festival — as the creative director behind the complete branding representing Pakistan at RSIFF ’25. Meanwhile, Noshien Ahmed Waseem reinforced Pakistan’s commitment to cultural diplomacy, connection, and strategic global partnerships. Their panel drew strong participation from regional and international attendees, reinforcing Pakistan’s rising presence in global cinema dialogues.
The fifth edition of RSIFF will continue till the 13th of this month, amplifying world-class stories from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
