KARACHI, Sept 15: Three documentary films from Pakistan, all by women directors, have been selected for screening at the fourth film South Asia festival-2003 that opens at Katmandu, Nepal, on Sept 25.

In all, 43 films made in 2002 and 2003 from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka will be screened at the four-day festival, and the best film will receive the Ram Bahadur Trophy and $ 2,000.

The Pakistani documentaries highlight the issues being faced by the women and children. The 40-minute documentary, “Sawara — a bridge over troubled water”, directed by Samar Minallah, highlights a tradition of girl sacrifice prevalent in the tribal areas of the country where a girl from one party is handed over to the other party to make a compromise to a dispute between warring groups.

The second Pakistani film, “Terror’s children” is directed by Sharmeen Obaid. The 45-minute documentary highlights the miseries of the Afghan refugee children and how they barely make a living in Karachi.

The third Pakistani film, “Jab’r Ki Shadi Vilayat Mein” (forced marriage abroad), has been directed by Beena Sarwar. The 12-minute documentary highlights the miseries of Pakistani girls who are forced into marriage and sent abroad.

Besides Pakistan’s three entries, four have been selected from Nepal, three from Bangladesh, one each from Srilanka and Maldives and 31 from India. The organizers had received an unprecedented 230 documentaries from which these 43 have been selected.

The three-member jury includes Mark Tully (chairperson) and members Lubna Marium (Bangladesh) and Lalsawmliani Tochhawng (India). Mumbai-based filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt will make the key- note speech at the inauguration of the festival on Sept 25.

After the festival, which has been held regularly, every two-year, since 1997, specially selected 15 outstanding films could be viewed through Travelling Film South Asia that will go roving all over South Asia and a few selected venues in the West.