Sajid Ali:

Lahore – Four young people from Pakistan are set to represent the country at the 3rd “Salam” International Youth Film Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan, scheduled from August 25 to 28, 2025. The initiative comes through The Little Art, an organization working to promote art education for children and young people, under its flagship project, the Lahore International Children’s Film Festival (LICFF).

Since 2013, The Little Art has been actively providing young delegates from Pakistan with opportunities to attend international children’s film festivals across the world. This year’s participation at the Salam Festival marks another milestone, enabling Pakistani youth to step onto a global stage, exchange ideas with peers from different countries, and experience cinema as a medium of cultural dialogue and creativity.

The Salam International Youth Film Festival, held annually in Baku, brings together children, teenagers, and young adults to celebrate the art of storytelling through film. The event not only showcases films made for young audiences but also highlights works created by young filmmakers themselves. By inviting international jurors of the same age group, the festival ensures that young voices and perspectives are at the heart of the evaluation process.

The four Pakistani delegates, selected through LICFF, will serve as members of the international jury. Their responsibility will be to watch, review, and judge films presented during the four-day festival. This unique role empowers them to contribute to the recognition of global talent while enhancing their critical thinking and cultural awareness.

Speaking about the initiative, The Little Art stated that such opportunities are essential for developing confidence and global exposure among young people. “When children from Pakistan travel abroad as delegates, they represent the creativity and aspirations of our youth,” the organization emphasized. “It allows them to learn, to connect with the world, and to see the universality of art and storytelling.”

Over the past decade, children selected by The Little Art have traveled to film festivals in countries including the United States, Germany, South Korea, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. Their participation has not only brought pride to Pakistan but has also contributed to cross-cultural friendships and international recognition of Pakistan’s emerging creative generation.

The Salam Festival, in particular, has earned a reputation for encouraging inclusivity, youth empowerment, and intercultural understanding. With participants from different continents, it provides a platform where young people can share stories that matter to them—whether about friendship, family, identity, or the challenges of growing up in a changing world.

As the countdown begins for the August event, anticipation is building among the selected delegates. For them, it is not only about judging films but also about broadening horizons, representing Pakistan, and gaining inspiration to possibly pursue careers in the creative arts.

By nurturing such experiences, The Little Art continues to play a vital role in shaping young cultural ambassadors of Pakistan. The participation in Baku this year is a step forward in amplifying the voices of Pakistani youth on international platforms.