Canada National Film Day 2026 was celebrated at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), Islamabad, bringing together students, educators, diplomats, media representatives, and young participants for a meaningful cultural and cinematic experience.

The event highlighted the importance of film as a powerful medium for storytelling, cultural exchange, creativity, and social connection. The occasion was graced by the presence of the Canadian Ambassador to Pakistan, whose participation added diplomatic significance and warmth to the celebration. During the event, the Ambassador interacted with children, appreciated their enthusiasm, and encouraged them to engage in creative expression, learning, and cross-cultural understanding.

Students from the Department of Media Sciences at Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST) University Islamabad attended the event as part of their academic and practical media exposure. Students from different semesters participated under the supervision of Asma Javed and Abeera, who guided the students throughout the activity and helped connect the experience with classroom learning and professional media practices.

As media coverage formed an important dimension of the event, students had the opportunity to observe how cultural events, diplomatic engagements, and community-focused activities are documented and presented for public and institutional audiences. The experience enabled students to explore practical aspects of media production, event reporting, visual storytelling, audience engagement, and responsible media coverage.

For Media Sciences students, the event served as a valuable experiential learning opportunity beyond the classroom. It helped them understand how cinema and media can contribute not only to entertainment, but also to education, awareness, cultural representation, and international dialogue.

The celebration also provided students with insight into the role of film festivals and cultural screenings in promoting public diplomacy and intercultural understanding, encouraging them to reflect on the importance of media in representing diverse voices and strengthening cultural connections between communities.

Such experiential learning opportunities reflect the Department of Media Sciences’ continued commitment to preparing students as responsible, observant, and professionally aware media practitioners, capable of using media as a meaningful platform for communication, culture, and social impact.