At the prestigious 14th edition of the Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival held in India's capital New Dlehi, Pakistani director Shoaib Sultan received acclaim as he was honoured with the debut director award for his film 'Gunjal'.

This recognition marks a significant milestone not only for Sultan, but also for Pakistani cinema as a whole. The festival, revered for its celebration of cinematic excellence, showcased films from across the globe, with Sultan's work standing out among the entries.

Reacting to the honour, Sultan said the award was a big welcome step for Pakistani cinema.

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Released in Pakistani cinemas on December 15, 2023, 'Gunjal' has already made waves in the industry, featuring a stellar cast of renowned TV and film actors, including Ahmed Ali Akbar, Resham, and Amna Ilyas among others.

The 14th edition of the Dada Saheb Palke Film Festival was held in India on April 30 featuring films from around the world. Shoaib Sultan, the director of Gunjal, was honoured with the Debut Director Award. Sultan's directorial prowess has been lauded for its innovative storytelling and compelling narrative, captivating audiences both at home and abroad.

Speaking from Saudi Arabia, where he currently resides, Sultan expressed his gratitude for the honour bestowed upon him. He says that the award had encouraged everyone in the Pakistani film and cinema industry. The way the current government has supported the Pakistani film industry and announced funding, it will lead to the production of better films and give people a better chance to watch movies, he added.