Pakistan Crescent Collective Hub Sets Cannes Debut

After the well-received “Joyland” in 2022 and “In Flames” last year, Pakistan is debuting a central hub at the Cannes Film Festival this year.

The Pakistan Crescent Collective, set up by Modoxy Media, will represent the country’s official presence at the festival, with a mission to “discover and nurture the next generation of talent, preserve film, and
promote Pakistani and diaspora films globally, thereby advancing Pakistan’s visual culture.” The collective consists of a global team of film industry professionals based in London, Karachi, New York and Los Angeles.

Saim Sadiq’s “Joyland” won the Un Certain Regard jury prize in 2022, while Zarrar Kahn’s “In Flames” was a Directors’ Fortnight selection. Both films were Pakistan’s official submissions to the Academy Awards. Usman Riaz’s animated film “The Glassworker,” which is selected at Annecy, is an homage to films in the style of this year’s honorary Palme d’Or winner Studio Ghibli.

The Pakistan Crescent Collective is hosting a filmmaker panel discussion and event following the Cannes Film Market screening of “The Glassworker.”

In addition, the collective is co-hosting the inauguration and reception for the South Asian Film Market launched by Seattle’s Oscar-qualifying Tasveer Film Festival. Tasveer and the Pakistan Crescent Collective will co-host a speed networking event on the American Pavilion terrace where filmmaking teams will meet with film financiers and funders to pitch their next project, followed by a cocktail sundowner reception for all participants. The event is part of the American Pavilion’s Global Lens Day.

Modoxy Media develops diverse storytelling rooted in South Asian and Arab cultures, designed to resonate with global audiences.

Mohammed Ali Naqvi, founder of Modoxy Media, said: “As one of the only countries without a central hub at Cannes, it’s imperative to launch initiatives like the Crescent Collective. We are dedicated to championing Pakistani cinema and talent, both at home and abroad. It’s time to celebrate our own.”