Find Focus Films: A Beacon of Change in Wildlife and Environmental Filmmaking
Find Focus Films is an innovative project born out of the Media Project on Conservation, Environment, and Nature (MPCEN), a brainchild of Syed Hasnain Raza. This unique initiative has carved out a niche in the global arena of wildlife and environmental filmmaking, driven by a commitment to fostering change and raising awareness about the critical issues facing our planet.
The Vision Behind Find Focus Films
Founded by Syed Hasnain Raza, Find Focus Films is more than just a production company; it is a movement aimed at creating compelling visual narratives that highlight the beauty of nature and the urgent need for conservation. Raza, a seasoned filmmaker and environmental journalist with an impressive background in environmental education, envisioned Find Focus Films as a platform to produce high-quality documentaries that inspire action and promote sustainable living.
International Collaborations and Impact
Find Focus Films has garnered international attention through its collaborations with leading conservation organizations, NGOs, and filmmakers. These partnerships have enabled the company to amplify its message and reach a global audience. Some of the most notable collaborations include:
1. Four Paws International: Working with this global animal welfare organization, Find Focus Films has helped document and raise awareness about the plight of captive wildlife, particularly big cats and bears, in various regions of the world.
2. Free the Wild: In collaboration with this charity co-founded by Cher, Find Focus Films has produced powerful content advocating for the freedom and humane treatment of animals kept in captivity under deplorable conditions.
3. **Four Motion Films**: This partnership has allowed Find Focus Films to create visually stunning and emotionally impactful documentaries that have been showcased at various international film festivals.
4. Aaron Gekoski: Collaborating with renowned environmental photojournalist Aaron Gekoski, Find Focus Films has contributed to the production of gripping stories that expose the dark side of human-wildlife interactions, including wildlife trafficking and illegal animal entertainment.
5. Kuala Lumpur Eco Film Festival (KLEFF): Find Focus Films has been a significant contributor to KLEFF, one of Asia’s most prestigious environmental film festivals, where its work has been recognized for its contribution to raising environmental awareness.
6. Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC): In collaboration with BSBCC, Find Focus Films has worked on projects highlighting the conservation efforts for the endangered sun bears in Borneo, bringing international attention to their plight.
7. WWF (World Wildlife Fund): With the support of WWF, Find Focus Films has undertaken projects focusing on critical conservation areas, producing documentaries that showcase the importance of biodiversity and the need for sustainable practices.
8. Smithsonian Institution: The partnership with Smithsonian has allowed Find Focus Films to delve into projects that combine scientific research with storytelling, creating content that is both educational and engaging.
9. USAID/USEFP: Through support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP), Find Focus Films has been able to expand its reach, conducting workshops and training programs to empower local filmmakers and journalists in environmental storytelling.
10. MMFD (Media Matters for Democracy) and GNMI (Global Neighborhood Media Innovation): These collaborations have focused on promoting media literacy and empowering communities to tell their own environmental stories, ensuring that the message of conservation reaches a broader audience.
11. Vidavert Film Festival and Clementina Martínez Masarweh: A Partnership for Green Cinema
Find Focus Films has had the honor of partnering with the Vidavert Film Festival, an event dedicated to showcasing films that explore environmental issues, sustainability, and the relationship between humans and nature. The festival, which attracts filmmakers and audiences from around the globe, has been a perfect platform for Find Focus Films to share its work and spread its message of conservation.
Through this collaboration, Find Focus Films has not only been able to reach a wider audience but has also had the opportunity to work closely with Clementina Martínez Masarweh, a respected figure in the world of environmental filmmaking. Clementina, known for her dedication to promoting eco-conscious storytelling, has provided invaluable guidance and support to the Find Focus Films team, helping to refine their approach and amplify the impact of their projects. This partnership has resulted in the creation of several powerful documentaries that have been lauded for their ability to inspire and educate viewers on critical environmental issues.
A Global Footprint: From Asia to Africa and Beyond
Find Focus Films has left its mark across the globe, with projects spanning continents and cultures. In Malaysia and Borneo**, the team has documented the rich biodiversity of rainforests and the challenges faced by endangered species. In Singapore and the UAE, the focus has been on urban conservation and the impact of human development on natural habitats. The company’s work has also extended to Europe and Tanzania, where it has explored diverse ecosystems and the efforts being made to preserve them.
A Unique Initiative for Change
What sets Find Focus Films apart is its unwavering commitment to using film as a tool for change. Each documentary is crafted with the purpose of not just informing but also inspiring action. The films produced by Find Focus Films are not just beautiful visual experiences; they are calls to action that resonate with audiences worldwide, urging them to take responsibility for the protection of our planet.
11. PIWEFF: Showcasing Local and Global Conservation Efforts
Another significant achievement for Find Focus Films has been its involvement with the Pakistan International Wildlife & Eco Film Festival (PIWEFF). Founded by Syed Hasnain Raza himself, PIWEFF is Pakistan’s premier platform for showcasing films focused on wildlife conservation, environmental protection, and eco-friendly practices. The festival aims to bring together filmmakers, activists, and conservationists to celebrate the beauty of nature and discuss the challenges facing our planet.
Through PIWEFF, Find Focus Films has played a crucial role in elevating local conservation stories to an international level, providing a space for Pakistani filmmakers to share their work with a global audience. The festival has become a vital part of the environmental filmmaking community, helping to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the natural world for future generations.
12. ICFJ Small Grant Story: Shedding Light on Lahore’s SMOG Crisis
One of the most impactful projects undertaken by Find Focus Films is the documentary on Lahore’s SMOG crisis, produced through a small grant from the International Center for Journalists Fellowship (ICFJ). This documentary delves deep into the severe air pollution issues that plague Lahore, particularly during the winter months when the city’s AQI levels often reach hazardous levels.
The documentary not only captures the environmental and health impacts of SMOG on the city’s residents but also explores the underlying causes, such as industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, and crop burning in surrounding regions. By highlighting the voices of experts, activists, and affected communities, Find Focus Films has brought much-needed attention to a pressing issue that demands urgent action.
This project underscores the power of storytelling in driving change, as the documentary has sparked conversations among policymakers, environmentalists, and the general public about the need for sustainable solutions to Lahore’s air quality crisis.
The Man Behind the Vision: Syed Hasnain Raza
Syed Hasnain Raza, the visionary behind Find Focus Films, has dedicated his career to environmental journalism and filmmaking. With nearly 11 years of experience working in the media industry across countries like Malaysia, Singapore, UAE, Pakistan, and beyond, Raza has brought a wealth of knowledge and passion to his projects. His work has been recognized at various international platforms, and his commitment to conservation has made Find Focus Films a respected name in the industry.
Find Focus Films is more than just a production house; it is a force for positive change in the world of wildlife and environmental conservation. Through its collaborations with global organizations and its impactful storytelling, the project has not only raised awareness but has also inspired tangible action to protect our planet’s natural treasures. As Find Focus Films continues to grow and evolve, it remains a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of film in driving environmental change.