Special Screening of Short Film Screen Locked by Award-Winning Director at NIPA Karachi

. Special Screening of Short Film 

Screen Locked 

by Award-Winning Director at NIPA Karachi

Karachi:  A special screening of the Director's award-winning short film  Screen Locked by renowned filmmaker Khalid Hasan Khan was held at the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA), Karachi for senior civil officers. The event was attended by Director General NIPA, Dr. Syed Saif ur Rahman, filmmaker Khalid Hasan Khan, lead actor Aly Khan, and participants of the ongoing Mid-Career Management Course at NIPA.

Following the screening, an interactive discussion was held focusing on the film’s themes, its social relevance, and the power of cinema as a medium for reflection and awareness. Participants engaged with the filmmaker and actor, appreciating the film’s narrative approach and its capacity to provoke thoughtful dialogue among public sector professionals.

The screening reflected NIPA’s continued effort to enrich executive education by incorporating creative and cultural engagements that broaden perspectives and encourage critical thinking beyond traditional administrative discourse.

The core message of the film emphasizes the need for mindful digital engagement. It sheds light on the dangers of digital narcissism—the obsession with likes, validation, and virtual identity on social media—arguing that true freedom lies not in constant screen engagement, but in consciously distancing oneself from it from time to time.

As a unique initiative in the history of administrative training, the screening at NIPA Karachi aimed to raise awareness among policymakers and civil servants about the escalating mental health challenges linked to excessive digital consumption. A detailed discussion, question-and-answer session, and written feedback followed the screening, examining the film’s relevance to public service, decision-making, and mental well-being.

During the event, actor Aly Khan supported NIPA’s environmental vision by planting an Amaltas sapling under Dr. Syed Saif ur Rahman’s campaign  Plant a Tree Taller Than Yourself.  He also purchased a book from the National Book Foundation’s bookshop, marking a first-of-its-kind initiative within a government training institution.

It is noteworthy that towards the end of 2025, Screen Locked was screened at several other prominent intellectual forums across the country. In Islamabad, the film was presented at The Black Hole, followed by a focused group discussion chaired by renowned physicist Dr. Pervez Hoodbhoy. In Lahore, it received prominent recognition at the School of Tomorrow (SOT) Events 2025.

Through these prestigious and diverse screenings, Screen Locked has established itself not merely as a film, but as a powerful tool for social reform and digital well-being.