Arab Diary 7: Pakistani Film ‘In Flames’ Receives Golden Osiris Award For Best Film

The film ‘In Flames’ from Pakistan won the Best Film award at the third Red Sea International Film Festival held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This festival is known for surpassing films from various countries worldwide. Another notable Pakistani film, ‘Vakhri’ by Iram Parveen Bilal, gained popularity, depicting the true story of the killing of social media influencer Qandeel Baloch.

Both films, showcased at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, delve into the struggles and freedom of women in patriarchal Pakistani society. Despite facing controversy, these films have drawn global attention to Pakistani cinema. Notably, last year, Sami Sadiq’s Pakistani film ‘Jwalein’ received an award at the 75th Cannes Film Festival and was officially submitted for consideration at the Oscars.

However, ‘Jwalein’ faced bans in several Pakistani states due to opposition from conservative groups, as it depicted a love story between a married man and a transgender person. The main theme of the film, though, focused on patriarchal norms in society.

The film ‘In Flames’ from director Jarar Kehn explores the story of Mariam, living in a small flat in Karachi with her widowed mother, Farheen. Mariam’s life takes a tragic turn when her lover, Asad, dies in a motorcycle accident. The film addresses societal issues and the struggle for women’s rights within a patriarchal system.

Iram Parveen Bilal’s film ‘Vakhri’ portrays the story of Noor Malik, a school teacher in Lahore, who, under the pseudonym Vakhri, appeals on social media to open a school for girls. The film highlights the challenges faced by Noor in advocating for her son’s rights after her husband’s death. The film gained controversy and protests in Pakistan but brought attention to issues of women’s rights.

Both films contribute to shedding light on women’s struggles and challenges in Pakistan, prompting discussions globally. ‘In Flames’ is officially submitted for consideration in the Best International Feature Film category at the 96th Academy Awards, and ‘Vakhri’ had its world premiere at the 76th Cannes Film Festival director’s fortnight.

‘Iram Parveen Bilal shares that ‘Vakhri’ aims to empower women globally, depicting the story of those who stand up against patriarchal systems. She began contemplating the film after the assassination of Pakistan’s Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in a bomb blast. She emphasizes that women who stand against patriarchal systems are often silenced, and the film serves as a love letter to women worldwide.

Both films, with their unique narratives, contribute to the discourse on women’s rights and societal norms, making a significant impact on Pakistani cinema. ‘In Flames’ is set to be released in Pakistani cinemas on January 5, 2024.