KARACHI, May 15: Pakistani film Lamha won on Wednesday the award for Best Feature Film at the DC South Asian Film Festival 2013 in Washington.

According to information received here, Lamha was the only Pakistani feature film to be selected for the festival and screened to a packed audience on May 12. The deputy chief of mission, Dr Asad Khan, represented the Pakistan Embassy at the screening of the film.

The film’s producer Meher Jaffri received the award from Indian Ambassador to the US Nirupama Rao.

The award ceremony included a panel discussion on the state of independent cinema in India and Pakistan. Producer/actor Meher Jaffri was guest speaker, alongside other filmmakers from South Asia.

“It is very difficult to compare our film industry that is still in its nascency to that of India’s. Having said that I am very excited for the path ahead as 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 increasing demand by audiences and filmmakers alike to figure out solutions and make space for Pakistani independent films that are already gaining acclaim internationally,” Ms Jaffri said.

Lamha previously won the Best Feature Film (Audience Choice) award with Aamina Sheikh taking home the award for Best Actress at the New York City International Film Festival 2012.