In a significant milestone for Pakistan’s entertainment industry, television, film, and digital directors came together on Sunday to establish the country’s first-ever guild. The Directors Guild Pakistan (DGP) was officially announced during an oath-taking ceremony in Karachi, marking a crucial moment in the history of Pakistani showbiz.
The formation of the DGP aims to provide a unified platform for Pakistani directors to raise their collective voice and address issues pertaining to their profession and the industry as a whole. The governing body of the DGP includes renowned directors such as Shahzad Nawaz, Rafay Rashidi, Saife Hasan, Mehreen Jabbar, and Wajahat Rauf, with Misbah Khalid serving as the founding president.
Mehreen Jabbar, a respected film and television director and producer, emphasized the necessity of an organization that protects the interests of all industry professionals. She stated, “The entertainment industry can only be taken seriously when there are bodies to protect the interests of all those working in it. So, this is a much-needed step.”
Currently, Pakistan has registered trade bodies for producers and actors, namely the United Producers Association (UPA) and the Actors Collective Trust (ACT). However, there is still a need to establish a representative body for screenwriters, known as the Screenwriters Association of Pakistan (SWAP).
Wajahat Rauf highlighted the importance of a collective voice and expressed optimism about the guild’s potential to yield positive results. He stated, “If we have to negotiate with someone or there is conflict resolution, we do it as an association, not privately. The outcome is more positive in that case. There is representation of actors, writers, and directors worldwide, so it is never too late to have one in Pakistan.”
The primary objectives of the DGP include providing training and mentorship to aspiring directors, fostering international collaborations, and attracting sponsors and funding for the industry. Misbah Khalid emphasized the guild’s initiatives, such as the Director Development Program, which will promote directors’ rights and interests, ensuring fair remuneration and creative liberty. The DGP also aims to showcase Pakistani content globally and offer scholarships and research opportunities.
Saife Hasan highlighted the significance of the guild for emerging directors who face similar challenges that experienced directors have encountered throughout their careers. He explained, “This platform, if we come together, will have a strong stance and impact on stakeholders. For instance, the pressure of producers, lack of creative liberty, payment issues, and copyright concerns.”
Although the DGP membership is currently selective, the guild intends to announce elections by the end of the year, opening its doors to all Pakistani directors who wish to contribute to the industry’s growth and development. This collaborative effort is expected to create a stronger and more unified voice for Pakistani directors and safeguard their rights within the ever-evolving entertainment landscape.
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