Pakistani feature film, Lamha (also known as Seedlings) won the Best Feature Film Award at the DC South Asian Film Festival – where it was the only Pakistani film to be aired.

The award was presented by the Indian Ambassador to the US, Nirupama Rao, to Producer Meher Jaffri.

Jaffri, who is also an actor, also spoke during a panel discussion on independent cinema in Pakistan and India at the festival. While saying that it was difficult to compare the film industry in both countries, she added, “We in Pakistan are standing on the cusp of an emerging independent film scene aided by industry veterans who are beginning to listen to the increased demand by audiences and filmmakers alike to figure out solutions and make space for Pakistani independent films that are already gaining acclaim internationally.”

Previously, Lamha has also won two awards at the New York City International Film Festival – the Best Feature Film (Audience Choice) and Best Actress in a Lead Role award, which went to Aamina Sheikh.