On the scene: – Nusrat Amin speaks on the hard task of producing short documentary films
(Weekly Column)
By Zaib Azkaar Hussain
In the previous column, the question of documentation and documentary films was raised. It was rightly noticed that the Geomentary proved to be successful in unveiling the power of storytelling in this context. It led the way in the country’s documentary landscape. Of course, it has not only achieved excellence in this field, but set a standard for others.
Nusrat Amin, renowned journalist and columnist who heads the Geomentary department, when asked shared his experience as follows:
In the heart of Pakistan’s media industry, a pioneering force has been revolutionizing the art of storytelling. Geomentary, the
documentary production unit of Geo News Television, has been breaking barriers and setting new standards for over a decade. With a passion for authenticity and a commitment to excellence, Geomentary has become the largest production house in Pakistan, producing high-quality documentaries, short films, and mega shows that inspire and educate audiences nationwide.
Nusrat Amin highlights that since its inception “Geomentary has been driven by a vision to reach a wider audience with meaningful and credible content.”
He points out a team working under his leadership has produced over a hundred episodes of the acclaimed travelogue show “Geo Ajooba,” exploring Pakistan’s hidden treasures and uncharted territories.
This groundbreaking series has become a benchmark for filmmakers and authors, inspiring a new wave of storytelling in the country, Nusrat Amin added.
There is no doubt that the Geomentary’s impact does extend far beyond the screen. The documentary films and shows produced
by the Geomentary have been extensively referred to media training programs and workshops serving as a source of inspiration for aspiring filmmakers and journalists.
The unit has also produced Pakistan’s first fully animated docu-dramatic film, “Mr. Jeem,” and has worked on various high-profile campaigns, including “Aman Ki Asha” and “Zara Sochiye.”
In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, Geomentary rose to the challenge, producing over 60 high-quality short films and a research-based documentary film, “Coronama,” in just three months. Their dedication to storytelling has earned them the honor of converting the 20th Century Fox documentary film “He Named Me Malala” into Urdu, preserving the original voices of Malala Yousufzai and her family.
Nusrat Amin observed “Today, Geomentary continues to push boundaries, producing a wide range of content, including short news documentary films, public service messages, voice-dubbing, subtitling, and live voice translation.”
It is justifiable to mention that their commitment to excellence has made them a household name in Pakistan, and their stories have become an integral part of the cultural fabric of people of the country.
Ends
