Sayeed was awarded the festival’s Humanitarian Award and was named Best Afghan Artist.

The event featured 29 finalist films selected from more than 450 submissions across multiple countries.

Several participating artists said the exhibition focused on natural scenery and was shaped by both ideological and economic pressures.

Organizers said the exhibition aimed to foster cultural dialogue and preserve the region’s rich visual traditions.

The exhibition featured handmade Hazara garments, local jewelry, and traditional dishes.

Founded in 1968, Afghan Film served for decades as the backbone of Afghanistan’s cinematic and documentary production.

Musical instruments have been confiscated and publicly burned in multiple provinces.

Kumar, born Harikrishna Goswami in Abbottabad—then part of British India and now in KP, Pakistan—began his film career in 1957.

His family, according to sources, struggled to afford proper medical treatment, although some local businessmen contributed to his care.

Once home to dozens of bustling pottery workshops producing decorative and functional wares, Herat now has just one active studio.