News Desk
JEDDAH: 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 during a powerful panel discussion at the Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF ’25) earlier today.
Moderated by celebrated Saudi-born Pakistani presenter Omair Shaikh, the panel brought together key voices shaping 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 expanding opportunities for cross-cultural co-productions. Panelists noted that international platforms — including Netflix, Amazon and HBO Max — commissioning content in Pakistan signaled a transformative shift, placing the country at the forefront of a new media era beyond traditional television and film.
Drawing on decades of storytelling, advocacy and industry leadership, Atiqa Odho represented the strength and capability of Pakistan’s creative sector. Shahzad Nawaz underscored Pakistan’s expanding cultural footprint and played a central role in shaping the country’s national identity at the festival as the creative director behind Pakistan’s complete branding at RSIFF ’25.
Meanwhile, Noshien Ahmed Waseem reinforced Pakistan’s commitment to cultural diplomacy, global connection and strategic partnerships. Their panel drew strong participation from regional and international attendees, further strengthening Pakistan’s growing presence in global cinema dialogues. The fifth edition of RSIFF will continue until 13 December, amplifying world-class stories from Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
