Red Sea International Film Festival
Pakistan’s cinematic prowess was on full display at the third Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with Zarar Kahan’s debut film, ‘In Flames,’ clinching the prestigious Best Film Award, the Golden User for Best Feature Film. This triumph not only secured international acclaim but also came with a substantial cash prize of one lakh US dollars.
Kahan’s ‘In Flames’ now stands as Pakistan’s official entry in the Best International Film category at the upcoming 96th Oscar Awards, following its world premiere at the 76th Cannes Film Festival and subsequent success at the Toronto International Film Festival.
The film narrates the compelling story of Mariam and her widowed mother, Fariha, navigating life in a Karachi slum. Tragedy strikes as Mariam loses her boyfriend, Asad, in a horrific accident, leading to haunting nightmares. As the duo contends with a conspiracy to seize their home, the film sheds light on the inadequacies of women’s property rights in Pakistan’s patriarchal society.
Meanwhile, Iram Parveen Bilal’s ‘Wakhri’ tackles the sensitive issue of honor killing, drawing inspiration from the tragic demise of social media influencer Qandeel Baloch. The film captures the struggles of Noor Malik, who, under the alias Wakhri, seeks to empower girls in her community through education. However, her journey is fraught with challenges, including societal backlash and a revelation of her true identity on a reality show.
Bilal emphasizes that ‘Wakhri’ is not a tragic tale but a testament to the resilience of women fighting against patriarchal systems. The film is set to hit Pakistani cinema halls on January 5, 2024, with certain cuts mandated for local release.
It’s worth noting that despite the acclaim received by Pakistani films on the international stage, challenges persist at home. Last year’s ‘Joyland,’ which received accolades at the Cannes Film Festival, faced a ban in several Pakistani states due to opposition from religious fundamentalist groups. The film’s exploration of a love story involving a married man and a transgender character sparked controversy, underscoring the complex dynamics within the society.
Both ‘In Flames’ and ‘Wakhri’ have ignited global conversations about women’s struggles in Pakistani society, bringing attention to the depth and diversity of storytelling emerging from the country’s film industry. As these films carry the torch onto the international stage, they continue to challenge societal norms and contribute to the global dialogue on women’s rights and empowerment.
