Shahnawaz Zali nominated for ‘Student Oscar’

Shahnawaz Zali, a Pakistani student documentary, 100 Steps-Sau Qadam has been nominated as Best film in the Narrative category for the 43th Student Academy Awards. The film revolves around a young boy who is dragged into suicide bombing and all. Judging from the trailer of the film, it is about how these Jihadis encourage young girls and boys to be the part of their network.

The film is produced by 20Q and directed by Shahnawaz Zali in 2015. The topic of the film is extremely sensitive but Shahnawaz and his team has done a great job.  The main aim behind the film was to touch people emotionally. Shahnawaz said that an article speaks 500 words, a picture speaks 1000, but a film speaks a million words.

Shahnawaz is a writer, student director and cinematographer studying at the Northwestern University in Qatar.

The 23-years-old-director is super excited about his film’s nomination. He has won a number of awards, including the Best Film Award at the Qatar Media Awards 2014 and best Screen Play Award at the Qatar Media Awards 2015.  

Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, the Academy Award Winner, congratulated Shahnawaz on his accomplishment.

The ceremony will be held on the 22^nd of September 2016.

Since the release of the film, 100 Steps-Sau Qadam, it has won a number of Awards, let’s hope this brings an Oscar home too. All we can say is, GOODLUCK SHAHNAWAZ!