Independent filmmaking continues to play an important role in shaping creative expression and storytelling, especially in evolving media landscapes like Pakistan. While the journey is often challenging, it also creates space for innovation, collaboration, and meaningful learning. At The Coach360, we believe that creative potential grows when individuals are supported with the right structure, mentorship, and opportunities to execute their ideas.
The Filmmaking & Beyond Screening Event was created to reflect this belief. Designed as the conclusion of a hands-on filmmaking workshop developed in collaboration with Sony, the event brought together emerging filmmakers, industry professionals, and creative leaders to celebrate learning through action. More than a screening, it represented the outcome of a structured process where ideas were developed, refined, and transformed into finished films.
The Filmmaking & Beyond Screening Event took place on 13 December 2025 in Karachi. The event marked the final chapter of a multi phase filmmaking workshop developed by The Coach360 in collaboration with Sony. While it ended with a public screening, the event itself was about much more than watching films on a screen.
It represented the full journey of independent filmmaking, from the early stages of idea development to the moment the finished films were shared with a live audience. The goal was simple but powerful: move beyond learning concepts and actually deliver completed work.
In Pakistan, creative careers are often discouraged because of concerns around stability and long term growth. Many aspiring filmmakers are told to treat creativity as a hobby rather than a profession. Filmmaking & Beyond was designed as a direct response to this mindset.
Instead of offering motivational talks or surface level training, the program focused on hands-on learning. Participants were encouraged to experiment, make mistakes, and solve problems in real time. The workshop introduced industry aligned practices without relying on traditional production houses or broadcast platforms.
By doing so, the initiative showed that meaningful learning happens when people are given structure, guidance, and the opportunity to execute.
Founded in 2021, The Coach360 is built around the idea that real learning happens through execution. Rather than focusing only on theory or inspiration, the organization emphasizes practical skill development, mentorship, and funded outputs.
Filmmaking & Beyond is a strong example of this approach in action. Instead of stopping at training sessions, The Coach360 supported participants throughout the entire filmmaking process. The short films screened at the event were produced as part of the program, reinforcing the idea that learning should always lead to tangible results.
This approach helps bridge the gap between education and the real world, especially in creative industries where access to opportunities is often limited.
A major highlight of the Filmmaking & Beyond workshop was its collaboration with Sony. The partnership focused on bringing technical alignment and industry exposure into the learning experience. Participants were introduced to professional tools, workflows, and standards used in contemporary filmmaking.
Sony’s involvement helped ground the program in real industry practices. It gave participants a clearer understanding of how creative decisions connect with technical execution.
During the screening event, Kaiser Jillani, Country Head of Sony, was acknowledged for supporting initiatives that focus on practical creative education. His support highlighted the importance of industry partners in helping emerging talent grow.
The Filmmaking & Beyond workshop was divided into multiple stages when Aden Batool, the Chief of Marketing at The Coach360 got in touch with Sony for a workshop collaboration which was closely reflecting how films are made in the real world. It began with two days focused on idea development and team formation. Participants explored different concepts, refined their stories, and formed teams based on shared interests.
After that, the program moved into screenplay development, production planning, and execution. Participants worked on scripts, schedules, and logistics, learning how to manage time, resources, and creative differences.
This phased structure ensured that learning stayed connected to action, helping participants understand the full scope of independent filmmaking.
The program was guided by Zainab Nasir, who supported participants from the earliest ideas to the final edits. She mentored teams during script development, helped troubleshoot production challenges, and guided post production decisions.
Having consistent mentorship throughout the program made a big difference. It helped participants stay focused, adapt to challenges, and make informed creative choices within their limitations.
This mentorship driven model reinforced the idea that growth comes from process, not just outcomes.
The screening event marked the public conclusion of the workshop. Six short films developed during the program were screened for an audience that included filmmakers, creative professionals, and industry observers.
Moving from a workshop setting to a public screening added a strong sense of accountability. Participants were not just learning for themselves, they were sharing their work with a wider audience.
The films varied in style, genre, and subject matter, reflecting different creative voices and perspectives. Each film also highlighted the realities of independent filmmaking, working with limited resources while still aiming for strong storytelling.
After the screenings, the event opened up space for discussion and audience interaction. These conversations allowed filmmakers to share their experiences, talk about challenges, and receive feedback.
This exchange turned the event into more than just a screening. It became a space for dialogue, learning, and community building.
The event was attended by several respected names from Pakistan’s creative and media community. These included Imran Azhar, founder of AZ Corp Entertainment; Kulsoom Aftab, founder of THEAKADA and a long time contributor to theatre and performance education; and Eshah Shakeel, filmmaker and Global Media Makers Fellow.
Aisha Yousuf, known for her digital platform Catchup with Ayesha, was also present. Muhammad Burhan Mirza, entrepreneur, angel investor, and co-founder of The Coach360, played a key role in shaping and supporting the program.
Their presence added valuable perspective and helped connect emerging filmmakers with the broader creative ecosystem.
Filmmaking & Beyond reflects a growing shift toward alternative creative platforms that exist outside traditional media structures. By combining learning, mentorship, funding, and public screenings, the initiative created a space where education and production could happen together.
For independent creators who lack access to institutional support, programs like this offer a practical way forward. They provide structure, guidance, and opportunities to showcase work.
Film Making & Beyond offered a clear example of how collaborative efforts between educational platforms and industry partners can support independent filmmaking in Pakistan. Through hands-on learning, consistent mentorship, and funded execution, the initiative showed what is possible when creativity is backed by structure.
As conversations around sustainability and access continue in creative industries, programs like Filmmaking & Beyond play an important role in shaping new opportunities. For The Coach360, the initiative reinforced its commitment to helping creators move beyond ideas and turn them into real, finished work.
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