Five years, then a fresh Claim the Frame intake
Patakha Pictures reached its fifth year this month with a Karachi gathering that also named eight women for the 2026 Claim the Frame cycle. The venture sits under SOC Films and was started by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, who has two Academy Awards. Fellow makers, trade figures and diplomats were among the guests.
From 2022 the scheme has helped 76 early-career creators. Their films have taken over 22 prizes and played at 100-plus festivals outside Pakistan. Aid covers grants, coaching and hands-on production help so people can shoot stories rooted in their own lives and localities.
How the 2026 Claim the Frame cycle runs
This year’s group forms four units drawn from Punjab, Sindh and Gilgit-Baltistan. Projects in development span a rider pushing into tent pegging, climate pressures linked with underage marriage in Sindh’s rural belt, craft practice in Cholistan, and long-running women’s health work in Shimshal.
The track lasts five months and partners with the British Council plus the Scottish Documentary Institute. Participants receive production grants, weekly remote coaching and a focused Edit Week in Karachi, plus classes on narrative craft, lens work, cutting and related skills. Noe Mendelle, who founded the Scottish Documentary Institute, returns as overseas mentor for a fifth round. Other coaches named include cinematographer Nadir Siddiqui, producer Huma Murad Shah, journalist-filmmaker Maryam Ishani Thompson, edit coach Husain Qaizar and sound specialist Sameer Khan.
Founders, partners and next steps
Leading Patakha Pictures, Obaid-Chinoy said the first half-decade had underlined that “talent is universal, but opportunity is not.” She credited ties with British Council Pakistan and the Scottish Documentary Institute for opening doors to money, guidance and creative room. Looking forward, she said the aim is a lasting base “where the next generation of storytellers can learn and collaborate.”
British Council Pakistan arts director Laila Jamil stressed room for voices that might otherwise never reach viewers. Pakistan, she said, already has talent and stories worth sharing; what matters is “creating the space, support and opportunities for more voices to be heard.” She added that the link also builds Pakistan–UK cultural exchange through film.
Timeline: what has happened so far
- 2022: Launch under SOC Films with coaching and production aid.
- 2022–present: Backing reaches 76 early-career makers; work earns 22-plus prizes and 100-plus festival plays.
- This month: A Karachi night marks five years and presents the 2026 Claim the Frame group.
- 2026 cycle: Eight women in four units begin five months of grants, online coaching and Edit Week in Karachi.
Among those who attended were Adnan Malik, Erica Robin, Sania Maskatiya, Ayeza Khan, Tapu Javeri, Sana Javed, Amna Ilyas, Momal Sheikh, Ali Khan, Amean J. and Sanam Saeed. Organisers still aim for a fixed hub so Pakistani documentary filmmakers can keep sharpening craft and carrying varied local stories to broader audiences.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Patakha Pictures ne Karachi mein apne paanch saal celebrate kiye. Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy ki is initiative ne 2022 se 76 naye filmmakers ki madad ki hai. Ab 2026 ke liye Punjab, Sindh aur Gilgit-Baltistan se aath khawateen Claim the Frame mein shamil hain. Inhein funding, mentoring aur Karachi mein Edit Week milti hai, taake unki documentaries zyada logon tak pahunch saken.
