8-Year-Old Pune Prodigy Taha Shaikh Soars to Victory with ‘Flying Wish’ at Nitiin Film Festival

Pune, 27th January 2024: The Nitiin International Film Festival 2024 Malaysia has unveiled the winners of its award ceremony, featuring the remarkable 8-year-old Taha Shaikh, who created an inspiring one-minute film titled ‘Flying Wish.’

Taha’s film received the esteemed Best Short Children’s Film award. Fr. Anish, S.J., the Principal of Loyola High School and Junior College, expressed his pride in Taha’s achievement, stating, “I am proud of you.” January 2024 marked Taha Shaikh’s momentous win, where he was pictured with his winning award.

In a heartwarming narrative of compassion and creativity, Muzammil Taha Shaikh, an 8-year-old from Pune, Maharashtra, has made a lasting impact with his one-minute film, “The Flying Wish.” A student at Loyola High School & Junior College, Taha collaborated with his parents, drawing inspiration from his father’s media background and his mother’s expertise in the IT sector.

Choosing a unique approach to bid farewell to the old year, Taha embarked on a mission to conclude the year on a profoundly positive note. The result is a poignant exploration of innate goodness within the human spirit, encapsulated in a one-minute masterpiece submitted to various international film festivals.

“The Flying Wish” serves as a gentle reminder in our fast-paced world that the simplicity of kindness often gets drowned out by the noise of daily life. Taha’s narrative beautifully captures the essence of innocence and the pure desire for positive change that resides in the heart of a child.

The film unfolds against the backdrop of Loyola High School & Junior College, where moral education is as integral as academic learning, providing a stage for a tale that transcends age and cultural differences. Taha’s decision to make the last day of the year extraordinary by releasing his pet fish into the river becomes a profound message about universal freedom and our shared responsibility to bring joy and liberation to others.

Named “The Flying Wish,” Taha’s project encapsulates the idea that wishes, much like the fish he sets free, have the potential to soar and create waves of positive change. The river in the film becomes a poignant symbol, reflecting the flow of life and the interconnectedness of our actions.

Accompanied by his mother, Taha’s journey to the riverbank serves as a visual metaphor for the support and guidance we receive from loved ones when embarking on endeavors fueled by kindness and empathy.

“The Flying Wish” is not just a film; it’s a celebration of the human spirit and a call to embrace the simplicity of compassion. Through Taha’s story, the audience is invited to reflect on their own capacity to make a difference, no matter how small, in the lives of those around them. As Taha releases his fish, the ripples become a universal symbol of hope, kindness, and the potential for positive change that lies within each of us.

May “The Flying Wish” inspire us all to cherish the innocence within, to believe in the power of our actions, and to celebrate the beauty of making a positive impact in the world—one small wish at a time.