Over the years, Pakistani filmmakers have been making waves in the international film festivals and bagged many awards as well. We all remember the monumental moment when Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy won the Oscar for her documentary, Saving Face. Similarly, the filmmaker, Jawad Sharif, has won several awards and nominations for his new documentary, Indus Blues. Previously, his film, K2 and the Invisible Footmen, was praised and appreciated worldwide.

Indus Blues focuses on the folk musicians and their struggles to keep the fading art alive. It features several Pakistani folk craftsmen and instrument makers who talk about the issue faced by them while they try their best to sustain the dying art. This documentary reminds the world what they are losing. Jawad Sharif has introduced instruments like Boreendo, Alghoza, Balochi Banjo, Raanti, Sarinda. So far, the documentary has won the best documentary feature award at the Guam-USA International Film Festival and Jaipur International Film Festival.

Recently, Jawad Sharif announced in an Instagram post that Indus Blue has won the best documentary feature award at Mind the Indie Film Festival (MTIFF) 2019 at Plovdiv, Bulgaria. He wrote, “It is another festival where we have been recognized for taking the message of the art and craft of the folk artists and musicians of our native land.” MTIFF supports and showcases the indie films of talented filmmakers who have made thought-provoking and meaningful films.

A premiere will be held for Indus Blue at Pakistan National Council of Arts in Islamabad on 14th June 2019. No doubt, MTIFF award is a great honour for Jawad Sharif, his team and Pakistanis all over the world.