ISLAMABAD: An inspirational docu-drama about a young girl from Chitral playing ice hockey and how her participation in the sport contributed to her empowerment was premiered at Serena Hotel here on Friday night.

The film “Minahil”, directed by Wajahat Malik, was co-funded by Serena Hotels and the Canadian High Commission in Islamabad. It served as a reflection on the broader issues faced by young girls and women in pursuing their passions besides raising questions about general equality and role of sports challenging societal norms.

“We are finally getting recognised and story is being told,” said Minahil, who is the lead character in the production. Curious about the sports, Minahil started playing ice hockey three years ago, a new game in the region.

“With support from our patrons, we are competing in bigger events,” she told the audience.

Serena Hotels partnered with the High Commission of Canada in Pakistan to uplift and empower rural communities. One example of this partnership was supporting girls playing ice hockey as a part of the high commission’s signature winter sports public diplomacy initiative. This collective effort by the high commission, in partnership with other local partners, aimed to empower women and girls, drive socioeconomic development at the community level, promote sustainable tourism and raise awareness about climate change and environmental conservation in line with Canada’s feminist foreign policy.

This year, the High Commission of Canada and Serena Hotels supported Eyebex Films with the hopes of bringing the stories of personal victories and achievements of some of the beneficiaries of the programme to the big screen.

The docu-drama “Minahil” highlighted the inspiring journey of the Booni Girls Ice Hockey Team from Chitral, showcasing their determination and the transformative power of inclusion and gender equality.

Aziz Boolani, CEO of Serena Hotels, South and Central Asia, believed in supporting gender equity and empowerment through various initiatives

“We wanted to highlight that given the opportunities the younger generation can excel and become role models. It is encouraging for us too to support individuals and communities in promotion of sports, arts and craft, music besides conservation of environment and heritage. There is no shortage of talented individuals. We will continue to endeavour for the betterment of our society and promotion of this country,” Mr Bolani said.

Amanda DeSadeleer, First Secretary for Political and Public Affairs at the High Commission of Canada, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating: “The Booni story is a powerful one, and that is why we were thrilled when film director Wajahat Malik wanted to take on the job of capturing the work of the Booni Environmental Academy and how ice hockey, specifically girls ice hockey, has been at the heart of their journey. We hope you, and the rest of the world, will be as inspired as we have been to watch these courageous girls become confident and successful young women, both on and off the ice.”

Published in Dawn, June 17th, 2023