SOC Films, the multi-award-winning film production company founded by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, is excited to announce the second cycle of the Neela Asmaan Artist Residency Program, starting in October 2023. This unique initiative provides emerging and established artists from Pakistan and around the world with an immersive and inspiring environment in the picturesque Shigar Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Neela Asmaan is a platform for creative expression and exploration, which provides an opportunity to connect with nature, culture, and oneself, and a chance to learn from experienced mentors and fellow artists. The program invites artists from various disciplines, such as filmmaking, photography, fine arts, and creative writing, to spend two to four weeks in residence at Neela Asmaan, where they will be provided with accommodation, studio space, mentorship, and a supportive community.
The program is open to all creative souls, irrespective of gender, who have a clear vision for their project and a passion for their craft. Applicants are required to submit their application and portfolio by September 30th, 2023. The selected artists will be announced in early October and will begin their residency later that month.
To apply, simply visit the website: socfilms.com/neela-asmaan/
Artists part of the first cycle share their experience at Neela Asmaan Residency:
- Amber Eswani: “I had an amazing down to earth experience in the Neela Asmaan program. I got to experience the local culture, food, and sites while researching and writing my next project. During my time there, I was inspired in different ways that impacted my web series concept and development. My adventure during the Neela Asmaan Residency was well worth the journey”.
- Ayesha Husain: “Neela Asmaan residency gave me the opportunity to reflect and create. Two wonderful weeks spent in the beautiful Shigar valley allowed me to view life and time differently. It has been a wonderful experience, one that I shall always cherish. I look forward to sharing my work, initiated during the residency, with the world soon”.
- Javaria Waseem: “I had a wonderful two weeks in the Shigar
Valley, thanks to the Neela Asmaan Residency. I applied as a writer to work on an upcoming short film. I have always felt like there has been a gap when it came to finding support and community in this country for artists. Elsewhere in the world, you see such spaces existing which are a source of comfort and acceptance for people who are just starting out but rarely in Pakistan. The Neela Asmaan Residency is a brilliant initiative taken by Sharmeen Obaid–Chinoy, that aims to fill that void and provide emerging artists with a space to flourish and polish their craft”.
For more information about the Neela Asmaan program and SOC Films, please visit www.socfilms.com
Press Release by Lotus PR
