Patakha Pictures, the filmmaking mentorship initiative launched by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, has opened submissions for Claim the Frame 2026 in partnership with SOC Films, the Scottish Documentary Institute and the British Council. The eighth edition of Claim the Frame aims to support women filmmakers across Pakistan with funding, mentorship and industry connections.
Launched in 2022, Patakha Pictures has supported 69 filmmakers whose work has won more than 25 awards and screened at over 70 international festivals. The initiative was created to amplify women’s voices in cinema and strengthen Pakistan’s independent documentary ecosystem. In 2024 the programme temporarily expanded access to include both men and women from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Newly Merged Districts, a move designed to reach underrepresented regions.
Claim the Frame 2026 will select four pairs of women filmmakers aged 18 and above. Applicants must apply in pairs through a single application form. The programme is looking for bold and resilient storytellers prepared to shape authentic narratives that create meaningful social impact. Short documentary projects exploring women empowerment, art, identity, culture and music are particularly welcome.
Selected fellows will receive funding and five months of structured mentorship, working closely with international mentors and the SOC Films team. The fellowship includes weekly online sessions and an in-person edit week in Karachi, and culminates in a closing ceremony where fellows will present film trailers and network with professionals from the documentary community. Claim the Frame participants are expected to commit to the full duration of the programme.
The 2026 cycle runs from July to November 2026, with final selections announced in June 2026. Interested applicants should submit their materials by 20 March 2026 via email to patakhapictures@gmail.com. For the application form and full details visit https://bit.ly/PatakhaPictures-ClaimTheFrame-Applications. Emerging women documentarians across Pakistan are encouraged to apply and take part in Claim the Frame to advance their craft and reach wider audiences.
