New York City, NY - The Humpty Dumpty Institute (HDI) works around the world to inform and foster dialogue amongst critical stakeholders on key global issues. We do this through our programs with the U.S. Congress and the United Nations, engaging young people, supporting cultural diplomacy, and working on humanitarian programs. HDI is committed to supporting cultural diplomacy, including implementing film programs with U.S. Embassies and Consulates.
We are pleased to announce that on December 31, 2022, “The Losing Side,” a film by HDI’s film program alumnus Mr. Jawad Sharif, won the Best Human Rights Film Award at Cannes World Film Festival. The Losing Side tells the story of the struggle of four Pakistani women who are victims of injustice and sheds light on all the legal, social, and religious aspects of this injustice.
Jawad Sharif participated in HDI’s 2016/17 UCLA Film Training Program for Pakistani filmmakers. Our film programs are designed for emerging filmmakers and are coordinated by award-winning U.S. filmmaker Mr. Bill Megalos. HDI’s partner for this project was the leading cultural NGO in Pakistan Foundation for Arts, Culture, & Education. The 2016/17 program was funded by U.S. Embassy Islamabad. Films made during this program were exhibited at international film festivals.
Mr. Sharif said, “I am incredibly thankful to have been sponsored by the Humpty Dumpty Institute and the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan. It allowed me to learn about the practical skills and process of the documentary film genre and enabled me to work on my own independent film projects. I am honored to have worked with Bill Megalos, who is such a remarkable mentor and allowed me the intellectual freedom to experiment and explore different ideas.”