Pakistani film maker Faraz Siddiqui reaches finals of Democracy Video Challenge

Pakistani film maker Faraz Siddiqui for the first time has claimed spot along with two Nepalis in the finals of the 2010 US State Department’s ‘Democracy Video Challenge ’. This challenge is in its second year and drew nearly 700 entries this year. Contestants from 83 countries created short films on themes based upon the phrase ‘Democracy is…’ the blank to be filled according to the theme of each contestant.

The three finalists made following short films for the event;

• Faraz Siddiqui from Pakistan, democracy is a message by the people.

• Anoop Poudel from Nepal, democracy is the color black.

• Shree Gurung also from Nepal, democracy is a way of life.

All the short films can now be viewed on you tube. Internet users across Pakistan and around the world can now view and vote for the film till June 15. Make sure you are signed into your YouTube account, then select the video you’d like to vote for. Once you click thumbs up or thumb down, the other selection will change to gray! You can vote for as many videos as you like, but only once per day.

The winning filmmakers are to receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, New York and Hollywood to attend gala screenings of the winning videos, gain exposure to the U.S. film and television industry and meet with creative talent, democracy advocates and government leaders.

Faraz Siddiqui is a 23 year old film maker and graphic designer. He started a design production house by the name of collage pictures since 2007 with a message;

Photography, Short Films, Documentaries and Motion Pictures is how we are heard by the world…we, as well encourage young people to join us, the Fraternity of Art and Film Making, to express what they have in their brilliantly aesthetic and talented mind…”

So, have you ever thought what according to you ‘Democracy is…..? ?’