Internationally renowned filmmaker Muhammad Ali Naqvi has been appointed as the new chairman of the Pakistan Academy Selection Committee (PASC).
PASC is entrusted with the important responsibility of selecting Pakistan’s official entry for the Academy Award Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film every year.
Naqvi Sherman steps into the role replacing Obaid Chinoy, who served the committee admirably for a decade.
Naqvi, known for his compelling and socially impactful storytelling, was inducted into the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2022, a testament to his influential work. His latest documentary, The Accused: Damned or Devoted, was nominated for a Primetime Emmy this year, further endorsing his cinematic talents.
On his appointment, Naqvi said: “I am incredibly honored and excited to take on the role as Chairman of PASC. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity, and I look forward to taking Pakistani cinema to the international stage.” But I pledge to continue to raise.”
Naqvi has promised that his immediate focus will be on assembling a vibrant selection committee, a process already well underway. He said, “Several eminent professionals have confirmed their participation. I look forward to introducing our committee members to the public in the near future. I am confident that our joint efforts will promote Pakistani cinema globally.” It will raise more.”
It is an exciting time for Pakistani cinema, its narrative is gaining international recognition. The appointment of Muhammad Ali Naqvi as the Chairman of PASC marks a promising new chapter in the journey of Pakistani cinema to global recognition.
Profile: Muhammad Ali Naqvi
Muhammad Ali (Mo) Naqvi recently produced the top 10 global hit Netflix Original docuseries, Turning Point: 9/11 and the War on Terror. Naqvi is a member of both the Motion Picture Academy and the Television Academy. Naqvi received a Television Academy Emmy Award for his directing and production work on the Showtime original Shame. Other notable projects include his Emmy-nominated Among the Believers (PBS) and The Accused: Damned or Devoted? (BBC, Arte/ZDF), Winner of Asian Media Award and Insha Allah Democracy (STARZ).
Beyond non-fiction, Naqvi has produced fictional features including the road trip drama Big River (Official Selection: Berlin Film Festival) and the indie comedy I’ll Avenge You Iago, starring Giancarlo Esposito and Larry Pine. Naqvi’s work extends beyond the screen. She is a board member of Mukhtaran Mai’s Women Welfare Group. His film Pakistan’s Hidden Shame (Channel 4 UK) was instrumental in the then Prime Minister Imran Khan’s decision to establish a shelter for homeless children in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province.
