SMC & NCGSA Premiere “Jahan Aur Bhi Hain” to Inspire Change
On May 30,2025 SMC Faculty and students of SMC attended the premier of the telefilm "Jahan Aur Bhi Hain - Beyond the Blue" at the Institute of Space and Technology in Islamabad. The Department of Theatre, Film, and Television (TFT), SMC at Beaconhouse National University (BNU), in collaboration with the National Center of GIS and Space Applications (NCGSA) – a national initiative of the Higher Education Commission, Pakistan – has achieved a groundbreaking milestone: the production of "Jahan Aur Bhi Hain – Beyond the Blue”. The film premiered on PTV on June 05, 2025. JABH is Pakistan's first film exploring climate change, the environment, and the transformative role of space science and technology in shaping a sustainable world. We are proud to state that the film is written and directed by Sarmad Ibrahim Cheema Faculty member, (Senior Lecturer of SMC). The OST and sound design is done by Usman Rana another faculty member (Lecturer of SMC). SMC students were a major part of the project as assistant directors and production crew members. The film features significant contributions from BNU faculty and students across various creative and technical roles. Sarmad Cheema led the project with the story and direction, while Salina Khan contributed both as the screenplay writer and first assistant director. Muhammad Baig served as the director of photography, editor, and colorist, with Usman Rana as the music producer. The sound design and score were developed by the BNU TFT Music Studio. Alizeh Ali Bukhari handled production design, and Mustafa Baig took on the role of art director. Additional direction support came from Ajwa Ahmed (second assistant director) and M. Alee Raza (third assistant director). The OST was performed by Aayla Zainab, and the cast included Mahek Ashraf in a supporting role.
Celebrating SMC’s Logo Launch
The new logo symbolizes a fresh chapter for SMC, reflecting its dedication to growth, innovation, and forward-thinking values. This reveal ceremony was a key moment to introduce the updated visual identity and inspire the community for the road ahead. Registrar/Secretary Mrs. Farzana Shahid attended the ceremony, highlighting the institution’s collective commitment to its evolving vision. The logo, designed by Mr. Qasim Rishi (Lecturer), offers a modern and creative representation of SMC’s brand, encapsulating its goals and aspirations. This logo reveal ceremony marks the beginning of an exciting new era for SMC as it continues to strengthen its presence and impact. We take our inspiration from the tale of the Simurgh in ancient Persian mythology, where a group of birds embarks on a journey to find the legendary Simurgh and crown it as their ruler. Along the way, they must pass through seven challenging tests—Quest, Love, Ignorance, Faithlessness, Loneliness, Rumors, and Me/Self. With each stage, more birds fall back, unable to overcome the trials, leaving only a few who reach the end and discover a profound truth. At the end, thirty birds are left who reach the location of where Simurgh resides. This is where they find a pool, showing them their own reflections – thus telling them that they themselves are the Simurgh.
SMC’s Design Symposium Celebrates Art Director Hashim Ali
The symposium, orchestrated by students from the BS Communication and Immersive Media programs, commenced with presentations by second-year students who critically analyzed Ali’s impactful role in the fields of set design and art direction. These presentations set the stage for an in-depth exploration of Ali’s creative influence. Hosted by Kashmala Khan (Designer) and curated by Wasif Hussain (Lecturer) the event featured a panel discussion including prominent industry figures Aleena Naqvi (Photographer), Aiman Gilani (Lecturer BNU SVAD), and Qasim Rishi (Lecturer). The panel examined Ali’s role in shaping contemporary visual storytelling, highlighting his innovative approaches and creative vision. In his keynote address, Hashim Ali shared insights into his professional journey, emphasizing his work on the acclaimed music video “Pasoori.” Ali encouraged students to embrace authentic Pakistani storytelling, underscoring the importance of cultural pride and heritage in media narratives. The Design Symposium provided a valuable platform for students, faculty, and industry professionals to engage with the evolving art of visual storytelling, fostering an environment of learning and inspiration.
Shahzad Nawaz Discusses the Transformative Power of Media
Mr. Nawaz highlighted how authentic storytelling can challenge prevailing norms, amplify marginalized voices, and spark societal transformation. Drawing on personal insights and international examples, he urged students to embrace truth-driven narratives and use media as a tool for justice, awareness, and cultural reflection. The session wrapped up with an engaging Q&A, during which students explored the ethical dimensions and creative responsibilities of media practitioners. The event reinforced SMC’s mission to cultivate critical, socially conscious media professionals equipped to impact the world through informed storytelling.
