Filmmaker Aqdas adds another feather to his cap

Filmmaker Aqdas adds another feather to his cap

The documentary “Muzaffar Ke Naam,” directed by young filmmaker Aqdas Sami, has garnered acclaim by winning the 2nd Best Documentary Award at the International Cultural Artifact Film Festival (ICA) in Pune for the year 2023. It also secured the 2nd Best Documentary Award at the Indian International Short Film Festival Awards (ISFFA) in February 2024. The film has additionally received multiple awards at GIFFI Kolkata last year.

The International Cultural Artifact Film Festival (ICA) organizes this annual event, attracting submissions from around the globe for consideration. Out of numerous submissions, only 22 films were selected for screening at the festival, and “Muzaffar Ke Naam” was among them.

Renowned filmmakers Sana Norouzbeigi (Film Designer and Director, Iran), Anusha Srinivasan Iyer (Filmmaker, Director & Journalist, India), Jalaladdin Gasimov (Award-winning Writer, Producer & Director, Azerbaijan), Dibya Chaterjee (Writer, Director & Holistic Filmmaker, India), and Prof. Dr. Mohan Das (Chief Jury & Director, India) comprised the esteemed panel of jury members.

“Muzaffar Ke Naam” paints a poignant portrait of Professor Muzaffar Hanfi, a luminary in Urdu Poetry, Literary Criticism, and Theory. The documentary embarks on a compelling journey, unveiling Professor Hanif’s humble origins and tracing his esteemed position in academia. It sheds light on the challenges he faced, from financial struggles to familial responsibilities, throughout his remarkable journey.

At its core, this documentary stands as a powerful testament to the life of a poet whose undeniable talent often went unrecognised. It vividly captures the struggles artists face in a world that, at times, overlooks their true brilliance.

Aqdas Sami, the director of the film, holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from AJK MCRC, Jamia Millia Islamia.

He is dedicated to exploring the intricacies of the human experience and highlighting crucial social issues through the medium of film. He has previously worked on documentaries like “Aruna Vasudev: Mother of Asian Cinema” and “Ruuposh,” both of which received numerous selections and awards.

Produced by Tasveer Culture, the film brings to life the profound narrative of Professor Muzaffar Hanfi with cinematic finesse and emotional depth. Sabnawaz Ahmed and Md Shadab Sarwar were part of the production team.

Aqdas expressed his overwhelming emotions upon receiving the 2nd Best Documentary Award at the International Cultural Artifact Film Festival (ICA) in 2023, marking the fourth award for this documentary. He expressed gratitude for the acknowledgment and eagerness to persist in elevating unheard voices. He said: “Bringing Prof. Muzaffar Hanafi’s story to the general public was very important. I am committed to spotlighting such narratives through my documentaries in the future as well.”

Feroz Muzaffar is the son of Muzaffar Hanfi, who has also been interviewed in the Documentary. He said: “I extend my congratulations to the entire documentary team, with special acknowledgment to Aqdas Sami. The film production team has created an important work that is well-researched. This will help in igniting a fresh discussion in literary circles about my Father Muzaffar Hanfi.”

Title: “Muzaffar Ke Naam” Wins 2nd Best Documentary Award at International Cultural Artifact Film Festival, Pune.