In 2015, Zee launched a unique peace initiative - ZEAL FOR UNITY which aims to bring together creative thought leaders from nations in conflict. As part of this initiative, 12 film makers from India and Pakistan are coming together for the very first time to showcase their work on a single platform and facilitate an apolitical exchange environment to striver for peace and harmony.
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Film and television are democratic mediums and easy to access. They have the power to influence and change mindsets across the world. Given the current global scenario, it is important to bring together people and strive for peace. This thought resonates with Zee Entertainment’s philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' which means 'The World Is My Family.'
Background
The festival is an initiative of the Zee Network. Zeal For Unity is a special project undertaken by them in order to initiate peace between the two countries with help of the common population. It consists of 12 film makers coming together, 6 from India and 6 from Pakistan and creating films as part of this initiative. It is participated by Aparna Sen, Bejoy Nambiar, Nikhil Advani, Ketan Mehta, Tanuja Chandra, and Tigmanshu Dhulia from India and Sirajul Haque, Mehreen Jabbar, Shahbaz Sumar, Sabiha Sumar, Khalid Ahmed and Meenu Gaur-Farjad Nabi from Pakistan. The directors gathered at Wagah Border from Amritsar to share the collaboration. The festival will be held in India and also in Pakistan and will later aired on all Zee channels across 142 countries. The films are also being screened at the Jagran Film Festival in New Delhi during July.