The Pakistani Academy Selection Committee has invited Pakistani filmmakers to submit their films for Oscar consideration in the 'Foreign Language Film Award’ category, for the 87th Academy Awards. The deadline for submission is August 25, 2014 at 5pm (PST).

In 2013, the Pakistani Academy Selection Committee selected Zinda Bhaag as the first Pakistani film in over fifty years to be submitted for Oscar consideration in the 'Foreign Language Film Award’ category. Apart from ZInda Bhaag, three other films were submitted to the 2013 committee for Oscar consideration including Chambeli, Josh and Lamha (Seedlings).

The 2014 committee is chaired by Oscar winning documentary filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy and includes veteran Pakistani film-maker, Mehreen Jabbar, Pakistani writer Mohsin Hamid , actor and singer Ali Zafar, Pakistani film director and producer Iram Parveen Bilal, actor-model-singer Meesha Shafi, Samina Peerzada, and actor Nadia Jamil, amongst other prominent figures.

The Pakistani Academy Selection Committee will choose one film as Pakistan’s official submission for the, 'Foreign Language Film Award.’ A foreign language film is defined as a feature-length motion picture produced outside the United States of America with a predominantly non-English dialogue track.

The committee will announce its nomination for award consideration on September 15, 2014.

The Academy Awards, now officially known as The Oscars, are a set of awards given annually for excellence in cinematic achievements. The Oscar statuette is officially named the Academy Award of Merit and is one of nine types of Academy Awards, organised and overseen by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS).

What the members have to say

Speaking about the Oscar committee of Pakistan, the members share their thoughts.

Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy

"The Pakistani film industry is beginning to slowly stand on its own two feet. Filmmakers are experimenting with style and form and we are slowly starting to carve out a place for ourselves in the international sphere. I'm excited to see what our talented filmmakers will bring to the table this year."

Ali Zafar

“It's an honour to be a part of the committee. I am looking forward to some authentic, indigenous and entertaining cinema from Pakistan.”

Iram Parveen Bilal

"Pakistani cinema's true revival depends on making internationally viable films. We must encourage and develop a quality of cinema that stands our ground in the international market, not just Pakistan and Pakistani audiences. My focus in this committee will be voting for a film of such quality that transcends space and time."

Meesha Shafi

“Looking forward to playing my part in the Oscar Selection Committee. What a treat to watch and critique some of the most promising Pakistani films of the year. This is precisely the kind of incentive our filmmakers need to actively produce great cinema and most importantly, dream big!”

Mehreen Jabbar

"I am excited to be part of the committee especially at a time when the trend to make features continues at an accelerated pace in Pakistan. Looking forward to seeing new and exciting work coming out.”

Mohsin Hamid

"It's fantastic to be part of this effort to raise the visibility of Pakistani cinema internationally. Plus, selfishly, it's enormous fun to get to watch all these films. And this year already seems to have many more Pakistani releases than last."

Nadia Jamil

“All the colors, music,textures, the histories, landscapes, romance, the evolving dynamics of tradition and modernity, the songs, the violence, resilience, laughter and tears, the many many layers of the sub-continent and Pakistan’s place in it, no better place to watch and experience these stories than the new exciting, evolving cinema of Pakistan today. I can't wait to watch it all unfold. It's already proving to be an exhilarating and utterly authentic experience.”

Samina Peerzada

“Every film that we create is a testimony that we are alive. I am looking forward to another great year for Pakistani cinema.”