KARACHI: Fahad Kahut, an independent film-maker, has won a prestigious award of merit at the IndieFEST Film Awards.

The prize was given for his thrilling short film Faryad that aims to highlight the ongoing atrocities and oppression in Kashmir.

The low budget film features an exceptional story that revolves around Burhan, a young Kashmiri journalist who is being hunted by government forces for his activism and his grandfather, Yasin, who, having seen the sufferings of the last two generations of Kashmiris, wants him to surrender.

“I am very delighted that we have won an award for this film. Credit goes to the entire team involved in this project,” said Kahut. “When I decided to make a film about Kashmir, there was never an attempt at glorifying or demonising any side. I was clear that I wanted to tell the compelling story of one of world’s oldest and brutal conflcits.”

In winning an IndieFEST Film Award, Kahut joins the ranks of other films involving high profile stars; Liam Neeson’s narrated film Love Thy Nature, George Clooney and Blake Lively documentary A Path Appears and Katie Holmes’s Touched with Fire.

Rick Prickett, who chairs IndieFEST Film Awards, had this to say about the latest winners: “The IndieFEST is not an easy award to win. Entries are submitted from around the world from powerhouse companies to remarkable new talent.” The IndieFEST helps set the standard for craft and creativity, he said. The judges were pleased with the exceptional high quality of entries this time around.

IndieFEST Film Awards recognises film, television, videography and new media professionals who demonstrate exceptional achievement in craft and creativity, and those who produce standout entertainment or contribute to profound social change.

-APP