y does pakistan even allows theaters to show bollywood crap? we shud stay with lollywood and support it well

y does pakistan even allows theaters to show bollywood crap? we shud stay with lollywood and support it well

some bollywood movies r gud. and most pakistanis prefer them over shitty maula jatt movies. plus whenever gud pakistani movies come out, pakistanis do support them.

Watch BOL today.

A definite MUST watch for all desis, esp Pakies!!!

Manzar Sehbai simply carries the movie, hands down.

But Humaima was great too, then comes Shafqat Cheema, who nailed his part, esp. when he was eating some gross food. Just brilliant.

The guy who had the unfortunate honor of being son of Hakim, was exceptionally good.

Watched it in a smelly desi local theater but plan to watch it once more, once it comes to multiplex, who didn't get it in time, thanks to Irene.

Theater was half empty (while the idiotic Bodyguard next door was sold out), but loud clapping by the audience at the end of the movie.

Hey if you're gonna watch it in Noo Yaark then Booga shall come along! :happy:

I just checked showtimes and its playing in Big Cinemas on 59th street. Let me know if you're up for it. If anyone else would like to join us that'd be awesome! We can have a little MP meetup in Noo Yaark. And we can also grab a bite to eat afterwards. :happy:

What say tussi's? :colgate:

Hey if you're gonna watch it in Noo Yaark then Booga shall come along! :happy:

I just checked showtimes and its playing in Big Cinemas on 59th street. Let me know if you're up for it. If anyone else would like to join us that'd be awesome! We can have a little MP meetup in Noo Yaark. And we can also grab a bite to eat afterwards. :happy:

What say tussi's? :colgate:

Thanks Boogie, as I was planning to come to nueva york, pero I already watched it here in a VA.

Go & watch ASAP, since unfortunately turnout was pretty low and may be taken down here soon. Dont forget to post your OogiBoogie review here.

The Bodyguard Salman Khan is beating the crap out of Bol :ohno:

I'll give you a holler, when I visit NooJersey or NY.

‘Bol’ gets Indians talking

By Ravinder Bawa

“Bol is a ubiquitous film- whether a Muslim family in Lahore or a Hindu family in Bihar, everyone can relate to it”

DEHLI: Facing stiff competition from Salman Khan’s Bodyguard on Eid, Pakistani film Bol is managing to hold its own thanks to the word of mouth publicity.

Dealing with multiple issues ranging from misogyny to prostitution to fanaticism, Bol is director Shoaib Mansoor’s second offering after Khuda Ke Liye. Bol was released alongside mega blockbuster Bodyguard, ‘That girl in yellow boots’ and ‘Mummy Punjabi’. Unlike Khan’s masala movie, Bol offers a riveting storyline and great acting, with people publicising the film more than the PR agencies.

For starters, there is actress Vidya Balan who says, “Loved Bol! Love the performance of the father. The boy who played Saifuddin was cute. My heart went out to him.”

As one of the audience members, Tushar Pahwa, walking out after a show puts it, “Bol is a ubiquitous film- whether a Muslim family in Lahore or a Hindu family in Bihar, everyone can relate to it. Women and transgenders are disrespected in India and Pakistan both. I just hope people start to speak up after watching the movie. It was a good gift for Eid.”

Many have given the tickets to family and friends in beautiful gift envelopes as eidi. “This was my eidi to my sister The film’s message has been well received and I felt my sister must see this movie as an example,” says Shahnawaz Siddique, a shop keeper.

Film critic Taran Adarsh says, “I have a problem with the distributors of Bol, who have come up with a wrong strategy to release the film at the same time as Bodyguard. I think this was a blunder. If it were released at any other time the collections would have been much higher. The word of mouth publicity of the film is good and I would like to say that it is definitely doing better than the other two movies released the same week.”

Even the distributors are happy with the increasing popularity of Bol. Amita from the corporate communications of Eros International, the distributing company, explains, “Media across the board has liked the film and has been extremely supportive of the film. The response has been positive overall. It was the company’s strategy for a worldwide release on Eid. As for India, the numbers are still pouring in but in the middle east the film is doing very well.”

Even Salman Khan fans have expressed their liking for Bol. Pankaj Mishra, a movie buff who watched both Bodyguard and Bol on the same day explains, “There is no comparison between the two. While one is a masala movie for the masses, the other is a serious issue based film. It is sad but true that masala movies always do well in India as they are over hyped and well marketed. The real good cinema gets left behind. Bol is a brilliant film and off late Pakistani movie makers are doing a good job.”

Adarsh also emphasises the brilliance of the film, “I think it is one of the most amazing films to have come out of Pakistan. Shoaib Mansoor excelled in Khuda Ke Liye but this film has gone beyond that.”

People are already watching it twice. Sunita Sinha, another movie buff has a reason to do so, “For me the film has a strong message and inspires me to be brave. I can actually watch it again.”

The tag of a film from Pakistan is one of the main attractions. Anshu Sondhi, a film student, had to see this film as she missed out on Mansoor’s Khuda Ke Liye. She supports the film, “Bol’s concept is different and the actors are good. It gives us an insight into the Pakistani society and we Indians always want to know more about Pakistan. We want to understand the country and the people beyond what our governments want us to believe and see. Movies like Bol bring us closer to our neighbours.”

Kritika Rai, a businesswoman came to know about the film from a friend. She says, “We Indians don’t have that sense to appreciate good movies like Bol and we waste our time on watching stupid movies like Ready and Bodyguard. I think we should support good cinema whether it is from India or Pakistan.”

There is a buzz about Bol in Bollywood also. Many screenings of the film were done before its commercial release. Naseeruddin Shah, icon of Indian cinema, who was to play the role of the father in Bol, praised the film. In an interview to glamsham.com, an entertainment magazine website, he admires the film, “Bol is absolutely the kind of film that Khuda Ke Liye should be followed up by. It deals with an even more important statement like faith and empowerment of women. I have seldom seen a statement made with as much power and feeling as this film. This is yet another film to be proud of. I can only find myself wishing I was a part of this film.”

Bollywood has welcomed the movie from across the border and have supported the idea of art beyond boundaries. Samir Soni, who acted in films like Kabhie Khushi Kabhi Gham, Fashion and others explains, “To coexist and prosper we need to have a better understanding of each other and issues that affect us. It is only then we realise how similar we truly are and this ends fear and resentment. Cinema is perhaps the most important medium that takes you up close and personal and should not be bound by political boundaries.”

The social theme of the movie has attracted the intelligentsia. Rukmini Sen, a senior entertainment journalist, describes the film as “rebellious, brave and original”. She adds, “Bol talks about the state of third gender in Pakistan. Condition of women and third gender is pathetic in most parts of Asia so the film represents the silence of many of us. Bol deconstructs issues of sexuality and sexual identity very sensitively. It sees the issue in its larger context of patriarchy, feudalism, religion and nation state.”

The treatment of the story is much talked about. Satish Sharma, a painter by profession after watching the film appreciated the director’s strokes. “It was a joy to see how the director puts some of the old world wisdom in the right perspective. Whenever the father of the actress tried to escape a situation by quoting old quotes, she would correct him by putting his lines in the correct perspective. I thought it was intelligently handled.”

Gonna go watch 'Bol' tomorrow.

Btw, its playing in 8/9 theaters here in Toronto, 3 times a day.

I still haven't watched it. :(

mee too gonna watch it very soon

Just watched Bol. 9/10. Truly amazing.

good movie but with a sad story :( the initial part of the movie is too close too the reality of the desi society....

http://www.shiaforums.org/imagehost/?di=VHVO

http://www.shiaforums.org/imagehost/?di=N8GZ

http://www.shiaforums.org/imagehost/?di=URBZ

http://www.shiaforums.org/imagehost/?di=QVMK

Some orthodox Shite clergymen are asking to ban movie Bol. Their main objection is that Cheema's character as pimp, wearing locket of Ali, and other prostitute shown to be shias.

By same account, the movie also shows open-minded Shia family & liberal Sunni women, who had no problem marrying into Shia family.

they're tryin to say that shias cant be prostitutes?? :crazy: they can protest all they want but there's freedom of speech and it shall be protected!!

I am a shia and I believe that there are bad people in every cast, creed, and religion so the argument that the Pimp and the prostitues are shia and hence the movie is anti-shiites is ludicrous!

I am a shia but I believe that there can be bad people in every creed, cast and religion so this argument that the Pimp and the Prostitutes are shown to be shias and hence the movie is anti-shiites is ludicrous!

I think they're pissed because it's generally understood in Pakistan taht all hookers are Shia. Whether they are or not I don't know so don't shoot me! Just saying that this is the widely held belief.

well duh! the majority is sunni so the widely held belief would be to call shias prostitutes. that only shows the hatred of sunnis against shias. doesnt mean all prostitutes are shia. coz there's prostitution all over pakistan. :okay:

^^ Is it not a fact that the People of the Kanjar zaat are mostly Shias.

well duh! the majority is sunni so the widely held belief would be to call shias prostitutes. that only shows the hatred of sunnis against shias. doesnt mean all prostitutes are shia. coz there's prostitution all over pakistan. :okay:
You're such a drama queen. The reason people believe that is because prostitutes justify it by temporary marriage (that's the belief dunno if true or not). No-one does it to malign Shias.

You're such a drama queen. The reason people believe that is because prostitutes justify it by temporary marriage (that's the belief dunno if true or not). No-one does it to malign Shias.

before u call me a drama queen, why dont u go do some research. temporary marriage also exists in sunnism. its called misyar. the reason why prostitutes justify their acts through mu'tah (shia temporary marriage) is coz it is a more popular term among majority of pakistanis, who of course ridicule mu'tah coz of their dislike towards shias. otherwise, misyar (that sunnis believe in) is pretty much the same thing.

P.S, not all shia branches believe in temporary marriage.

loved the scene when choudary isaac visits hakeem saab for the first time and tells him his heera mandi business and when he leaves says my name is choudary isaac but people call me isaac kanjar.
lolzzzz

loved the scene when choudary isaac visits hakeem saab for the first time and tells him his heera mandi business and when he leaves says my name is choudary isaac but people call me isaac kanjar.
lolzzzz

And then the arrogant hakeem, wakes up a poor homeless man outside his house and have them pick up that "dirty" Rs100 note, but later have to sell his own soul at that kanjar's house. :lol: What irony!

I think they're pissed because it's generally understood in Pakistan taht all hookers are Shia. Whether they are or not I don't know so don't shoot me! Just saying that this is the widely held belief.

Yes, this is what I've heard as well. At least about heera mandi in Lahore.

loved the scene when choudary isaac visits hakeem saab for the first time and tells him his heera mandi business and when he leaves says my name is choudary isaac but people call me isaac kanjar.
lolzzzz

Everybody cracked up at that part.

"App ne Pakeeza Dekhi hai". :laugh:

Ye Pakeeza sahiba kaun hain? :lol:

Some snaps of the little star, Mehr Sagar of Islamabad. He also just had his kids book published, The Lochness Monster and the Cow Fish, and already working on the second book.
According to fb page:
He is going to 4th grade at Mazmoon-i-Shouq School in Islamabad & loves his school which promotes pluralism, creativity, culture and performing arts.

Personal Interests --Traveling (Sagar has already been to Italy, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Thailand, Kenya, UAE and several times to the USA and is very interested in exploring other parts of the world), playstation, acting.


http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/252489_213738295323375_213727915324413_690002_4342673_n.jpg

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http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/294192_2230246790886_1089344821_2631471_2754365_n.jpg
with sister

^^ that kid was a good actor for his age.

Btw, I think Mahira Khan is gorgeous.

there seems to be quite few hyped and critically acclaimed pakistani films even in the west do you think pakistani film industry is picking up nowdays ?
it's good i guess helps to project soft power well really good esp needed even more when pakistan has such a bad rep.

‘The Dusk’ is about to break through
By Muhammad Salman Khalid

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/images/2011/09/09/20110909_33.jpg

AFTER the spectacular success of Shoaib Mansoor’s second cinematic venture “Bol”, Pakistani cinema is all set to play host to a promising new movie, “The Dusk”. Expected to be released on Eidul Azha, “The Dusk” is a drama centred on a newly married couple, Ali and Fatima. Ali is mysteriously kidnapped on the fifth day of their marriage. The kidnappers neither demand ransom nor make contact with the family, further increasing the agony.

In the lead roles are models Salman Khan and Uzma Khan, playing Dr Ali Zaidi, and Fatima Zaidi, a teacher. Real life news anchor Abdullah Sultan plays the same role in the movie. The story, while centring on the issue of “missing people in Pakistan,” also touches upon the issue of drone attacks and bomb blasts, among others.

Here’s what the movie’s director, Z-Shan Kazmi, has to say about his maiden venture:

Q: What is the central theme of “The Dusk”?

A: Central theme of the film is effects of terrorism on a common man and society’s reaction towards victims of terrorism.

Q: What inspired you to make the movie?

A: My inspiration for making this movie was my experience being Pakistani. I tried to say what I felt being a part of our society where these blasts and other terrorist activities take place.

Q: Who is the target audience (youth, policymakers, politicians, etc)?

A: Of course, youth!

Q: What message do you intend to convey to your target audience?

A: The message is to beware of the situation through which you are going. Know who your enemy is and feel for those who are unluckily targeted by terrorism.

Be fair to your country, Pakistan, and do not forget those five million martyrs of 1947 who did not even ask “what this country is going to give us in return” before they gave away their lives. In fact, it is to promote patriotism.

Q: What, if anything, sets this movie apart from others being produced by the Pakistani cinema?

A: First, the film has no super hero.

Second, it tries to explain things through realistic approach which is very unusual for Pakistani cinema and does not exaggerate events in the story with dramatisation or filminess.

Q: Any other thing that you would like the readers to know about your project?

A: Here, I would like to mention that the film has introduced new actors in lead roles to make it more realistic and believable and so many visual effects have been used to mimic some places and events which were not possible to shoot.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2011%5C09%5C09%5Cstory_9-9-2011_pg9_17

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Old but still an absolute delight to watch :cheers:

-zH0Dr5WS_8

You can watch the rest of the parts if you like. Pretty shitty movie imo. No real story or anything.

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/388821_301826879857146_141872589185910_913817_644029695_n.jpg

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WAAR-Directed By Bilal Lashari an Academy of Arts San Francisco Alum

-HBjWcFV_ZY

^^

Not bad, lets see how this one goes?? When it is releasing??

I don't know they haven't finalized the release date yet.

^^ looks gud

My friends and I are definitely going to the cinema to see this movie! Looks tight.

My friends and I are definitely going to the cinema to see this movie! Looks tight.

It certainly does! I usually dont bother to watch the trailers posted in here but I took a chance with this one and it really piqued my interest! MAINOO VAANTING TO VAATCH TOO! :happy:

The biggest movie of Pakistani film scene... Can't wait to watch!!

Looks bloody amazing. A must watch.

Movie on Imran Khan: Kaptaan’s wheel in motion

http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/317520-Kaptaanphotofile-1325863523-340-640x480.jpg
Kaptaan, based on the life of Imran Khan, is said to be almost ready for release.

The much-awaited Kaptaan — a film based on the life arc of Pakistani cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan is slated to release nationwide by the end of February, according to the film’s PR and communication agent Amar Tareen. The film, which has gone through countless delays due to production issues, has finally reached the post-production stage, according to industry insiders.

Tareen also informed The Express Tribune that the team of Kaptaan is working on the remaining 10 per cent of the film, with final shots being taken in Islamabad, Mianwali and Lahore.

“Our intention is to release the film first in the major cinemas of Pakistan and then move on to distribution options on a global level,” said Tareen. The PR agent explained that local distributors and channels have shown keen interest in distributing the film, but the unexpected delays in production are stopping them from making any commitments yet.

When asked whether the time of release was cleverly kept in sync with Khan’s popular peace rally, Tareen stated that the release is entirely dependent on the production schedule and has nothing to do with the former cricketer’s recent popularity. “People were saying that we should release later as it would coincide with the elections but we are still going according to the plan. The film is a tribute to a personality that is defined by his leadership and charisma and should not be taken as a political venture,” Tareen added. “The film is not funded by external and/or political parties and is in fact a private project with a nominal budget.”

According to Tareen, major additions had been made to the cast including the inclusion of former PTV host Saman Ansari, who is making a comeback to screen after a long time. He said she would have a major role in the film and would provide an added boost to the cast.

interesting. depending on the content this may help or deter IK voters.

http://www.funkarhungama.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Pakistani-Actress-Sana-photo-4.jpg
Ever Beauty Sana

3c2YAOiZO3A

Pakistan should sign contracts with Iranian film Industry: Syed Noor
By Fareeha Khalid - Feb 8th, 2012

Lahore: Well-known film director of Pakistan, Syed Noor has said that Pakistan should sign contract with Iranian film Industry.

While talking to media he said that he has released his film ‘Hum Aik Hain’ in Iran and it was also included in the ongoing Festival of Iran.

“Iran is our neighboring country and we can make good films with the support of Iran,” Noor added.

He further said that Pakistani film industry would find a massive market for films in Iran as there were 45 high-tech studios available across Iran which were also used by Bollywood for the shootings of films.

http://www.thenewstribe.com/2012/02/08/pakistan-should-sign-contracts-with-iranian-film-industry-syed-noor/

Good idea? What do you think?

Went past weekend to the showing of documentary "The Vigil: at DC film festival and was happy to see it win The Best documentary.

Also got to meet, chat and have pics taken with Tehreema Mitha - the Pakistani born and internationally acclaimed Bharatnayam & contemporary dancer & performer.

She is daughter of Pak miltary officer & her mother is of Bengali christian descent Indu Mitha - also a great dancer & still teaching dance in Lahore.

Now she for past 15 years runs her dance studio in Bethesda, DC metro area, Tehreema Mitha Dance Studio.

You gotta see it, if you get a chance. Excellent & very moving.

http://thevigilfilm.com/

http://tmdancecompany.org/

Her interview with Jazba-e-Pakistan - Women of Pakistan.

http://www.jazbah.org/tehreemam.php

http://tmdancecompany.org/wp/wp-content/themes/tmdc/_/images/slide3.jpg
Mother & daughter during performance

Pakistan should sign contracts with Iranian film Industry: Syed Noor
By Fareeha Khalid - Feb 8th, 2012

Lahore: Well-known film director of Pakistan, Syed Noor has said that Pakistan should sign contract with Iranian film Industry.

While talking to media he said that he has released his film ‘Hum Aik Hain’ in Iran and it was also included in the ongoing Festival of Iran.

“Iran is our neighboring country and we can make good films with the support of Iran,” Noor added.

He further said that Pakistani film industry would find a massive market for films in Iran as there were 45 high-tech studios available across Iran which were also used by Bollywood for the shootings of films.

http://www.thenewstribe.com/2012/02/08/pakistan-should-sign-contracts-with-iranian-film-industry-syed-noor/

Good idea? What do you think?
Why so we can have female actors with covered heads and ton of make up on their faces?

^^ Iranian cinema is one of the best and most popular cinemas in the world fyi.

I am aware of there capabilities as I have seen few of their movies due to my work but not sure where you get the idea of one of the best in the world....enlighten me please?

You need to enlighten yourself.

I am aware of there capabilities as I have seen few of their movies due to my work but not sure where you get the idea of one of the best in the world....enlighten me please?

Don't know why I'm posting this against my better judgement. But here it is...hopefully it'd end this argument.


Why Are Iranian Movies So Good?
by Ransom Riggs - June 3, 2010 - 7:19 AM


Iran’s regime is one of the most repressive and censor-happy in the world, and yet their independent filmmakers have, over the last twenty years or so, proven themselves to be some of the best and most creative minds working in cinema. In 1978, cinemas were burned to the ground after images of American decadence were shown on screen. The medium itself was outlawed until the Ayatollah Khamenei saw a film he liked, the cinemas were reopened, and the industry grew again.

To find out more about how so many great films have come out of Iran, Vice Magazine founder Shane Smith spent a year and a half getting a visa so he could go there and find out for himself. True to form, it’s a trip full of paranoia and weirdness (including a scene in which they randomly run into Annette Bening), and a fascinating look at Iran the country through the lens (no pun intended) of its cinema. The first episode of three parts is here —

http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/56774

Proof is in the pudding. Watch it for yourself.

10 best Iranian movies, with English subtitles.

http://www.iranian.com/main/news/2011/04/24/10-best-iranian-movies-english-subtitles

know a days Lollywood is also making good films but they need to minimise the Punjabi Culture from films

Pakistan's film industry is not very interesting and huge. There are only few super stars so due to this the film industry of Pakistan is small.

Pakistan's film industry is not very interesting and huge. There are only few super stars so due to this the film industry of Pakistan is small.
U clearly havnt been following lollywood lately, when u hav models/singers entering lollywood, it's pretty interesting, 2012 will be an interesting year for film industry.

2EJKlCqhL_Y

^^ was that needed here?

^^ was that needed here?

Yeah really, was it needed here, as its not even from Pak films but bollywood. :ohno:

^^ true

^^^^now is it fine

Friday, February 24, 2012 - Pakistan: The Untold Story of Trauma, Transition, and Opportunity by Mudassar Ali Khan

http://media.washtimes.com/media/community/viewpoint/entry/2012/02/24/saving-face-40_s640x427.jpg?73b8e21685896c3f2859310aaa5adb253919b641

LAHORE, February 24, 2012 – On 26th February 2012, the world will discover three different faces of Pakistan during the 84th Academy Awards, with the nomination of a Pakistani documentary ‘Saving Face’ for the best documentary (short subject).

The first face is the Pakistani filmmaker who is contending for the Oscar, the second is the internationally acclaimed British-Pakistani plastic surgeon who traveled to his motherland to heal victims of acid attacks, and last but not the least is of the heroic survivors of acid attacks who are struggling to deal with the consequences of their disfigurement.

‘Saving Face’ tells the story of a British-Pakistani plastic surgeon, Dr. Muhammad Jawad, who traveled to Pakistan to treat acid attack victims. Jawad has made several trips to Pakistan with surgical teams to work with the victims. He also organized a major medical relief effort to help earthquake survivors in Pakistan in 2005. In 2008, he received widespread public and international media attention when he performed his pioneering treatment on British model and television presenter Katie Piper, whose ex-boyfriend threw acid on her face.

Central characters of this documentary are two women, Zakia and Rukhsana, from southern Punjab who survived acid attacks and have been fighting for justice ever since. Instead of only portraying the misery of the victims, the film focuses on the vigor with which they endure the process of emotional and physical healing.

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy is the first Pakistani filmmaker to win an Oscar nomination for co-directing this film with Daniel Junge. Obaid-Chinoy previously won an Emmy award for her film Pakistan's Taliban Generation. This film was also the recipient of the Alfred Dupont Award and the Association for International Broadcasting Award. Obaid-Chinoy is the first non-American to receive the Livingston Award for best international reporting. In 2007, she received the broadcast journalist of the year award in the UK from One World Media for her work in a series of documentary films. For her work on other films, she also received the Overseas Press Club Award, the American Women in Radio and Television Award, the Cine Golden Eagle Award and the Banff Rockie Award.

Above all, this documentary, along with its accolades, is truly a testimony of the devotion and fervor with which Sharmeen, Dr. Jawad, Zakia and Rukhsana are pursuing their individual goals. Saving Face brings together the hard work and creativity of an ambitious documentarian, the dedication of a passionate doctor, and determination of valiant victims of acid attacks.

The film also emerges as a face-saver for Pakistan, amid growing negative perceptions about the country worldwide.

The Oscar nod for Saving Face recognizes of a Pakistani filmmaker and sends message to all the ambitious Pakistanis and the world that hard work pays off, no matter where you live and your passion to prevail over the crisis can take you places whether you are a filmmaker, a doctor or a survivor.

http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/untold-story-trauma-transition-and-opportunity/2012/feb/24/pakistans-first-academy-award-nomination-saving-fa/#.T0jcbnnpi-E.facebook

http://somethinghaute.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/06-feb-sharmeen-obaid-chinoy-at-the-84th-academy-award-nominees-luncheon-photo-credit-a-m-p-a-s.jpg

http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/341724-SharmeenObaidphotopublicity-1330190294-750-640x480.jpg

http://tribune.com.pk/story/341724/chinoys-oscar-moment-dreams-of-gold/

Good luck to her!

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Close-up of motifs used by Sania Maskatiya for Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy's Oscar dresses. PHOTO: PUBLICITY

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Kiran’s Fine Jewellery will supply the bulk of the gold jewellery that Chinoy will wear including a special bracelet with the flag of Pakistan

Reuters
56 mins ago

Daniel Junge and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy accept the Oscar for the Best Documentary Short Subject for their film “Saving Face” at the 84th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California. - Reuters

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani filmmaker and first-time Oscar nominee Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy won an Academy Award on Monday for her documentary about acid attack victims, a first for a Pakistani director.

Her victory shines a spotlight on a subject which affects thousands of women in Pakistan and elsewhere, but which is seldom discussed at home.

In her acceptance speech, Chinoy dedicated the award to the women of Pakistan. “All the women in Pakistan working for change, don’t give up on your dreams, this is for you,” she said.

‘Saving Face’ chronicles the work of British Pakistani plastic surgeon Mohammad Jawad, who performed reconstructive surgery on survivors of acid attacks in Pakistan.

More than 100 people, mainly women and girls, are disfigured in acid attacks every year in Pakistan, although groups helping survivors say many more cases go unreported.

Pakistan is the world’s third-most dangerous country for women, after Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, based on a survey conducted last year by the Thomson Reuters Foundation (http://link.reuters.com/jet92s), with acid attacks a common means of punishing alleged transgressions.

Victims are often permanently blinded, and their scar tissue can become infected with septicemia or gangrene.

“The women who decided to be a part of the documentary did so because they wanted to make their voices heard and wanted to bring attention to this form of assault,” Chinoy said in an interview conducted before she won the Oscar.

“The main reason that they are in ‘Saving Face’ is to make their stories heard and have an impact.”

Many victims are women attacked by their husbands, and others assaulted for turning down a proposal of marriage. One girl in the documentary describes how she was burned after rejecting the advances of her teacher. She was 13 at the time.

Another woman featured in the film is 25-year-old Rukhsana, whose husband threw acid on her and her sister-in-law doused her in gasoline before her mother-in-law lit a match and set her on fire.

Chinoy said she hopes the cases in her film will resonate for others in Pakistan.

“It is a story of hope with a powerful message for the Pakistani audience. I felt this would be a great way to show how Pakistanis can help other Pakistanis overcome their problems,” she said.

Chinoy’s films have won international acclaim. Her 2010 documentary, Pakistan’s Taliban Generation, won an International Emmy Award.

http://www.dawn.com/2012/02/27/sharmeen-obaid-wins-oscar-for-film-on-acid-attack-victims.html

Daniel Junge and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy accept the Oscar for the Best Documentary Short Subject for their film 'Saving Face' at the 84th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California, February 26, 2012. PHOTO: REUTERS

Pakistani journalist and documentarian Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s latest venture Saving Face has won an Oscar award under the category ‘Best Documentary, Short Subject’.

In her acceptance speech, Chinoy dedicated the award to “all the heroes working on the ground in Pakistan” including British Pakistani plastic surgeon Dr Mohammad Jawad, main subjects of the documentary and the women of Pakistan.

“All the women in Pakistan working for change, don’t give up on your dreams, this is for you,” she said.

Dedicating the award to main subjects Rukhsana and Zakia, Obaid-Chinoy said that their “resilience and bravery in the face of such adversary is admirable”.

Co-director Daniel Junge said he had the idea for the film after hearing about Jawad, and asked Chinoy to work with him. He has been previously nominated for an both an Oscar and an Emmy.

“To win … and with such a subject – it’s such an honour,” he said.

The documentary Saving Face chronicles the work of Dr Jawad, who performed reconstructive surgery on survivors of acid attacks in Pakistan.

The documentary, which is filmed across Islamabad, Rawalpindi and the small towns of Punjab, was released in the US in November. It is due to release in the UK in March 2012, following which it will be released in Pakistan.

“The women who decided to be a part of the documentary did so because they wanted to make their voices heard and wanted to bring attention to this form of assault,” Chinoy said in an interview conducted before she won the Oscar.

“The main reason that they are in Saving Face is to make their stories heard and have an impact.” Many victims are women attacked by their husbands, and others assaulted for turning down a proposal of marriage. One girl in the documentary describes how she was burned after rejecting the advances of her teacher. She was 13 at the time.

Another woman featured in the film is 25-year-old Rukhsana, whose husband threw acid on her and her sister-in-law doused her in gasoline before her mother-in-law lit a match and set her on fire.

Chinoy said she hopes the cases in her film will resonate for others in Pakistan.

“It is a story of hope with a powerful message for the Pakistani audience. I felt this would be a great way to show how Pakistanis can help other Pakistanis overcome their problems,” she said.

Chinoy’s films have won international acclaim. Her 2010 documentary, Pakistan’s Taliban Generation, won an International Emmy Award.

At the ceremony, Obaid-Chinoy chose to wear female designers, from her clothes and her jewellery.

“I am wearing Bunto Kazmi for the ceremony and will be wearing Sana Safinaz and Saniya Maskatiya for Oscar-related events. My jewellery will be done by Kiran Aman of Kiran Fine Jewellery and Sherezad Rahimtoola of Labels. I am really excited to showcase local Pakistani talent, and that too all women,” revealed Chinoy.

http://tribune.com.pk/story/342358/sharmeen-obaid-chinoys-documentary-wins-oscar-for-best-documentary-short-subject/

http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/342358-sharmeenobaidchinoyreuters-1330322642-140-640x480.jpg
http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/342358-sharmeenobaidreuters-1330317111-941-640x480.jpg

congrats Pakistan.

Didn't know she at 33, had made over dozen short documentaries all over the world.

They range from women in Suadi Arabia, lost generation of Iraqi children, children being sold into marriage in Afghanistan, Peace train b/w Pak/India, Pakistan corrupt politicians, Earthquake in Kashmir.

There are also on subjects of discrimination towards muslims in Sweden, abuse of aborginial women in Canada, African drug trafficing in south Africa, underground abortion industry in Philippines.

WOW, she is really driven and compassionate. She fully deserved the recognition at academy awards.

http://sharmeenobaidfilms.com/category/films/

DGp3CBDYZ9o

Congrats Pakistan for the Oscar's!

Btw, i saw movie "Bol" last week, it was awesome! can you guys suggest some good movies to watch!

^^ Not many great movies come outta Lollywood. "Khuda ke liya", "Bol", and to some extent "Majajan" are probably the only good movies to watch.

what about love mein ghum

The women of Holy Kingdom (KSA) Part 1 of 5

DkU74wziVQk

she has an impressive portfolio. just saw she has also won an emmy

I don't understand what's there to be happy about that a film on acid attacks has won the oscar. As if Pakistan's image was not bad enough worldwide, now we have the whole world thinking acid attacks are a very common occurrence here. As if a majority of women, instead of a small minority, face this threat. Just think of how many millions of women there are in Pakistan, that puts the prevalence of this crime into perspective. This crime is no more common here than serious assault on women in the US. Yet, Pakistanis are jumping up and down because the Americans have given an award to a Pakistani.

Films like Fahrenheit 9/11 or Sicko would never get the oscar, yet they have no problem dishing it out to Saving Face.

I'd have been happy too if a work of fiction from Pakistan, or something +ve had won. They only give Oscars to films that show Muslim countries as fucked up places.

+1.

I don't understand what's there to be happy about that a film on acid attacks has won the oscar. As if Pakistan's image was not bad enough worldwide, now we have the whole world thinking acid attacks are a very common occurrence here. As if a majority of women, instead of a small minority, face this threat. Just think of how many millions of women there are in Pakistan, that puts the prevalence of this crime into perspective. This crime is no more common here than serious assault on women in the US. Yet, Pakistanis are jumping up and down because the Americans have given an award to a Pakistani.

Films like Fahrenheit 9/11 or Sicko would never get the oscar, yet they have no problem dishing it out to Saving Face.

Brightness..Brightness...Brightness...you disappoint me :sly:

The fact that the perpetrators of such a heinous crime are still at large with absolutely no chance of them being arrested or tried for their crimes shows that there is something fundamentally wrong with our society and our judicial system. You need to put yourself in the shoes of the women who have undergone this tragedy. It is obvious nobody cares about them and those who do aren't powerful enough to make a difference. One of the victims showcased in this movie was attacked with acid right outside a courthouse in full view of the police! What Sharmeen Obaid has done for these women and all the women who live their lives in fear of being attacked in such a manner, is more profound in its effects than anything any NGO could have done, this short documentary has the potential to become a catalyst for change in our society towards the plight of such women. Maybe, just maybe the pressure that will mount on the Government now from internal and external sources might force it to actually enforce the laws that are in place to protect womens rights. No woman should have to live under the specter of being physically mutilated!

We are so concerned with our "image" that no matter how big the problem might be, we tend to sweep it under the rug and disavow any and all knowledge of it, pretend like it never happened for fear of being scolded. That is the highest form of cowardice in my opinion! How will we mature as a people when we arent even willing to accept our problems and tackle them head on?

Remember Mukhtaran Mai who was gang raped and subsequently spoke out? Everyone lambasted her in a similar fashion for "washing her dirty laundry in public" but do you know that the men who gang raped her are STILL at large?

Ooga... if even half the Pakistani male population think like you, most of our social ills would be a thing of the past.

And you're so right when you say ..

We are so concerned with our "image" that no matter how big the problem might be, we tend to sweep it under the rug and disavow any and all knowledge of it, pretend like it never happened for fear of being scolded. That is the highest form of cowardice in my opinion! How will we mature as a people when we arent even willing to accept our problems and tackle them head on?

Brighty also seem to ignore the fact that she did all that at a great risk to her personal safety, not just for fame or oscar.

BTW this is her dozenth docu and many are in western countries too about their society sicknesses, like in Sweden, Canada, Phillipines.

They only give Oscars to films that show Muslim countries as fucked up places.

Not true because in the same ceremony 'A Separation' won for best foreign film which gives a different perspective of Iran than the one promoted in the West.

I don't understand what's there to be happy about that a film on acid attacks has won the oscar. As if Pakistan's image was not bad enough worldwide, now we have the whole world thinking acid attacks are a very common occurrence here. As if a majority of women, instead of a small minority, face this threat. Just think of how many millions of women there are in Pakistan, that puts the prevalence of this crime into perspective. This crime is no more common here than serious assault on women in the US. Yet, Pakistanis are jumping up and down because the Americans have given an award to a Pakistani.

Films like Fahrenheit 9/11 or Sicko would never get the oscar, yet they have no problem dishing it out to Saving Face.

lets face it. putting your head in the sand will not resolve the problem.

also you cant compare this to the west, all assaults in the west are reported and strictly dealt with. can you say the same about Pakistan!! A lot of these cases don't even get reported let alone addressed.

'Scheduled Movies' are those whose release dates or expected months are announced, whereas 'Unscheduled Movies' are those whose release dates are not announced yet

Brightness..Brightness...Brightness...you disappoint me :sly:

The fact that the perpetrators of such a heinous crime are still at large with absolutely no chance of them being arrested or tried for their crimes shows that there is something fundamentally wrong with our society and our judicial system. You need to put yourself in the shoes of the women who have undergone this tragedy. It is obvious nobody cares about them and those who do aren't powerful enough to make a difference. One of the victims showcased in this movie was attacked with acid right outside a courthouse in full view of the police! What Sharmeen Obaid has done for these women and all the women who live their lives in fear of being attacked in such a manner, is more profound in its effects than anything any NGO could have done, this short documentary has the potential to become a catalyst for change in our society towards the plight of such women. Maybe, just maybe the pressure that will mount on the Government now from internal and external sources might force it to actually enforce the laws that are in place to protect womens rights. No woman should have to live under the specter of being physically mutilated!

We are so concerned with our "image" that no matter how big the problem might be, we tend to sweep it under the rug and disavow any and all knowledge of it, pretend like it never happened for fear of being scolded. That is the highest form of cowardice in my opinion! How will we mature as a people when we arent even willing to accept our problems and tackle them head on?

Remember Mukhtaran Mai who was gang raped and subsequently spoke out? Everyone lambasted her in a similar fashion for "washing her dirty laundry in public" but do you know that the men who gang raped her are STILL at large?

Here I was thinking I would never agree with Ooga again. I totally second you.

They only give Oscars to films that show Muslim countries as fucked up places.

And Slumdog/poverty porn stories from India :)

Good thing is, nobody gives two fucks about these documentaries. Does anyone know of any single winner from the last 10 years? Maybe 1 or 2 tops.

but we do neede the world to recognize such crimes as critical and put pressure on pakistan to pass stricter laws agsint such crimes and implement them.

Brightness..Brightness...Brightness...you disappoint me :sly:

The fact that the perpetrators of such a heinous crime are still at large with absolutely no chance of them being arrested or tried for their crimes shows that there is something fundamentally wrong with our society and our judicial system. You need to put yourself in the shoes of the women who have undergone this tragedy. It is obvious nobody cares about them and those who do aren't powerful enough to make a difference. One of the victims showcased in this movie was attacked with acid right outside a courthouse in full view of the police! What Sharmeen Obaid has done for these women and all the women who live their lives in fear of being attacked in such a manner, is more profound in its effects than anything any NGO could have done, this short documentary has the potential to become a catalyst for change in our society towards the plight of such women. Maybe, just maybe the pressure that will mount on the Government now from internal and external sources might force it to actually enforce the laws that are in place to protect womens rights. No woman should have to live under the specter of being physically mutilated!

We are so concerned with our "image" that no matter how big the problem might be, we tend to sweep it under the rug and disavow any and all knowledge of it, pretend like it never happened for fear of being scolded. That is the highest form of cowardice in my opinion! How will we mature as a people when we arent even willing to accept our problems and tackle them head on?

Remember Mukhtaran Mai who was gang raped and subsequently spoke out? Everyone lambasted her in a similar fashion for "washing her dirty laundry in public" but do you know that the men who gang raped her are STILL at large?

http://tribune.com.pk/story/344036/how-to-win-an-oscar/

Brightness..Brightness...Brightness...you disappoint me :sly:

The fact that the perpetrators of such a heinous crime are still at large with absolutely no chance of them being arrested or tried for their crimes shows that there is something fundamentally wrong with our society and our judicial system. You need to put yourself in the shoes of the women who have undergone this tragedy. It is obvious nobody cares about them and those who do aren't powerful enough to make a difference. One of the victims showcased in this movie was attacked with acid right outside a courthouse in full view of the police! What Sharmeen Obaid has done for these women and all the women who live their lives in fear of being attacked in such a manner, is more profound in its effects than anything any NGO could have done, this short documentary has the potential to become a catalyst for change in our society towards the plight of such women. Maybe, just maybe the pressure that will mount on the Government now from internal and external sources might force it to actually enforce the laws that are in place to protect womens rights. No woman should have to live under the specter of being physically mutilated!

We are so concerned with our "image" that no matter how big the problem might be, we tend to sweep it under the rug and disavow any and all knowledge of it, pretend like it never happened for fear of being scolded. That is the highest form of cowardice in my opinion! How will we mature as a people when we arent even willing to accept our problems and tackle them head on?

Remember Mukhtaran Mai who was gang raped and subsequently spoke out? Everyone lambasted her in a similar fashion for "washing her dirty laundry in public" but do you know that the men who gang raped her are STILL at large?

Yes, let us be the only ones who bash themselves so passionately for their ills, and let the whole world also bash us for our ills. Let Pakistan be the only country blamed for all terrorism around the world. Lets blame our military, let's just blame and keep complaining and whining all the time. There is no hope, nothing positive, nothing at all to look forward to. Pakistan is the worst country ever. We are far, far worse than the utopias of the USA and India. I should start an NGO, or make a film about some problem facing this developing country. Make it look like the worst place on earth. At least that way I'll get some $$$ and a US visa. And most Pakistanis would pat me on the back for it!

Like I said, I am pissed off. Why? Because the award has been given by a biased jury. The film won ONLY and ONLY because it shows something negative about Pakistan. And Sharmeen Obaid obviously never finds anything positive to make a documentary about either.

Not true because in the same ceremony 'A Separation' won for best foreign film which gives a different perspective of Iran than the one promoted in the West.

Yes, a film about a couple wanting to GTFO Iran. How positive and unbiased!

^^ +1

Yes, a film about a couple wanting to GTFO Iran. How positive and unbiased!

Exactly what is the bias in showing a person(NOTE I say person and not a couple for a reason) wanting to leave the country for a better life people do it everywhere including America if the get a better job overseas!

Tamanna is based on dialogue, not action to tell the story : Steven Moore
Posted by Aayan Mirza on March 4, 2012 in Article News, Interviews
http://galaxylollywood.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/steve-moore-by-marco-gualazzini.jpg
Director Steven John Moore. Clicked by: Marco Gualazzini (Italy)

It’s been a while since we first published some text piece on Salman Shahid, Feryal Goher and Omair Rana starring upcoming Pakistani film Tamanna.

Directed by Britain born Steven Moore — a graduate of Arts University College at Bournemouth (one of the most reputable film schools in the world)– and produced by Sarah Tareen who is widely known in industry for her affiliations with some of the finest projects of industry; the upcoming ‘Murder Mystry/thriller’ Tamanna is an Urdu language film unfolding some of the ‘yet unfolded’ aspects of the society.

Having cinematography, photography and photojournalism already in his portfolio, Steven Moore, as mentioned earlier, after formally taking the filmmaking degree is now testing his hands in the field of film direction.

Winning an award call from ‘London Asian Film Festival’, right after the release of the beautiful movie track Koi Dil Mein sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and directed, shot and edited by Steve; truly speaks for what capabilities the man carry. Revealing more about him and giving us a more inside view to the film, the optimistic director speaks to Galaxy lollywood and also discusses what Pakistan film industry means to him?

Since Tamanna is your first major work in Pakistan, not many people know about you. So my first question would be who are you? Till what extent you have been attached to this business before Tamanna?

Film is a unique business in many ways, just compare how many films a director will make in his lifetime compared to how many paintings a painter makes or products a manufacturer produces. There are an incredible number of hurdles that a film has to negotiate to get to its audience. No director is known before their first film (unless they are Madonna!) and most of those directors that people have heard of, work for years in obscurity before the public gets to know them.

I have always been an image-maker; started as a photojournalist, worked as a photographer and switched by taking a degree in Filmmaking in 1999. Since then I have mostly worked as a cinematographer on other people’s projects. At the moment, apart fromTamanna, I am making a documentary on Lollywood for ‘Concordia’ [the same production house behind Tamanna as well] and doing some work for an European company on a drone warfare documentary. To blow my own trumpet a little it’s true that there isn’t much published work in my name, however the first independent piece of work that I have released with Concordia, the video for Koi Dil Mein (Directed, Shot and edited by me), was immediately nominated for an award at the London Asian Film Festival alongside AR Rahman and Michael Winner. It really isn’t quantity but quality that counts! One piece of advice I always give to people starting off is don’t hype your work too early, you don’t want people to remember you for the practice work, and film needs a lot of practice.

You have been brought up in a completely different society, a society that is known for its rich TV series and some very classy films of all time. Knowing that you are directing a film in Pakistan, what different a viewer should expect from your side?

That’s nice of you to say so, it’s true of course and the influence of that is there, especially as I was fortunate to grow up with the best period of British TV, it’s not as good as it was, and maybe never will be again. It’s a good question but difficult to answer in short. The best answer would be not foreign money and I hope little foreign influence beyond my personal skills as a director/cinematographer. I think the uniqueness of the situation will hopefully translate into a unique film.

You are making a film in such a time when although our industry is down but some really anticipated films like Waar, The Dusk and others are coming up. You believe your film has that content to compete with such films, despite the fact that your film would cater a completely different market.

It’s only because there is so little output in the industry here that we would be compared at all. We wouldn’t compare ‘Avatar’ and ‘The Iron Lady’, and we shouldn’t compare films with such huge budget differences. Although we do have one explosion and a couple of murders, Tamanna is based on dialogue and not action to tell the story. But yes, we absolutely can compete on the quality of the story, the writing, and the filmmaking technique in general, but not on numbers of nameless faceless people slaughtered for dubious reasons! But seriously, people have different tastes and we are defiantly not trying or able to please the same audience as Waar with this film. That isn’t snobbery, just a question of being realistic, and I hope beyond hope that I can eventually give that audience the ride of their lives at a later time.

Let’s now talk more about the content of the film. We have been hearing this for quite a time now that the film is about class snobbery and all that. Take us a little bit deeper. What this film would mean to a common Pakistani citizen?

What is a ‘common Pakistani citizen? Do Pathans have the same tastes as Punjabis? I know what you mean of course, and it’s another perfectly good question that’s difficult to answer! In making a film like Tamanna we have analysed this, because despite the answer to the last question we do want to be inclusive in the way the film comes across. Often films that are for the common man are different from those that carry analysis of social situation. These are, by necessity, mostly more complex.

Film’s power is in being multi-levelled, the story is not the theme, the theme is the meaning carried by the story. The ‘best’ films reach deeper in their analysis but must still be carried by a good story well told. We hope that we have chosen a story that will engage people’s interest, but filmmakers always take a gamble and are often surprised by their work’s success or failure. The question of target audience is a little difficult when you don’t have focus groups screening films and changing edits based on their findings as they do in Hollywood.

Taking advantage of this interview, allow me to take your views on the film industry that currently you are thoroughly involved in. You believe Pakistan film industry is in dire need of its own identity to come out of this low time? And if yes, then what could possibly be that ‘own identity’ thing. For many producers here a good film means a top-notch bollwoodish flick. But that’s not what our industry can survive on in long run. At times it seems like ‘Parallel cinema’ or social films are what our industry is all about but that again is a mere genre not identity. What’s your take on this?

This has been the central question for me during the past 5 years or so, and it’s a huge topic that requires careful justification. I have always said we need both, we need Waar, we need Bol and we need Tamanna, because what we really need is a little of everything. It’s different when we talk in terms of the audience and the industry though, what the industry needs is simply investment. Most films do make money; the rich should start to think about this as a fresh field of investment now. The great advantage of Parallel cinema is that it is cheaper, it needs less money, but of course it generates less money. But as you say, in terms of identity, it does something else. Look at Iranian cinema, probably the only thing allowing the rest of the world to see Iranian people as real human beings, and The Separation’s Oscar has proved that this kind of film can reach larger audiences abroad, whereas ‘masala’ films will never do that.

Moving back to Tamanna, it’s been a long time since we first posted about your movie on our site. It must be in its final stages if not completed by now. So what’s the progress that you guys have made so far on the film?

We have delayed a lot, but only in the interest of trying to get it right on a small budget. It is possible to make up for less budget with more time, you certainly can’t do both (have little money and rush it through). An example is the nomination at the London Asian Film Festival for the Koi Dil Mein video. They also invited us to screen the film there, and that gave us a choice: Either rush it so it can be screened or go there, show our documentary on Lollywood, give a talk and meet potential sponsors that can help us raise the bar. Also we have a strategy of bringing out as much music for the film as possible before. Our second song and video Allah Hoo is finished and coming out on TV soon and we are presently working with Shehzad Roy for the third called Brown Sahib (you heard it here first!). Networking and convincing busy artists like Shehzad is a delicate and difficult process especially when, you are relatively unknown as we are at the moment. As any serious contender knows this is the Holy Grail. To break the vicious circle you must work with the best, and the best will understandably, only work with people they know. This is why you mostly only have people from filmmaking families getting the opportunity to make films here at the moment. They use their family contacts, without which they could probably never compete or get the opportunity to learn.

Tell me, despite that ‘lack of film making infrastructure problem’, what other problems you faced or still facing while working on the film on day-to-day basis and that too in a completely different environment?

Well pretty much the same as everyone else you know, load shedding etc. If I have to choose one thing that has damaged us the most in our efforts it would be a tendency for people to act enthusiastic, make big promises then simply not return your call when they change their minds or simply can’t back up the rhetoric. Without naming names I’m not talking about ordinary people I’m talking about people you all know. We’ve had several famous people offer us ‘big’ film projects, got us working on the ideas, then simply vanish in embarrassment, leaving us wondering what we did wrong (nothing actually).

The actors you are working with are some of the most experienced ones we have got, the producer Sarah has been involved in some of the best works of Pakistan film industry and your music team including Rahat and Sahir are both big names here. How is it working with all these people?

These two you mentioned are lovely to work with and super talented. It is such a joy to know Rahat, he is one of my favourite people and one of my favourite moments was watching the recording of Koi Dil Mein. As I said we are presently starting work with Shehzad Roy on Brown Sahib, you have to admit that’s a great title, and we expect this to be a great song and video and one that represents more clearly what our film is about.

So at the end of this whole activity, answer the question that would surely be in many minds. What date you guys have got in mind to release the film? We hope we don’t have to wait much longer now.

You’re not the only ones! We are hoping to get it filmed in April and released towards the end of summer.

http://galaxylollywood.wordpress.com/2012/03/04/tamanna-is-based-on-dialogue-not-action-to-tell-the-story-steven-moore/

Pakistan's first Oscar-winner should be celebrated for exposing the 'bad bits'
Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy's Saving Face highlights acid attacks on women, but Pakistani critics want a more positive picture

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Education/Pix/pictures/2012/3/1/1330619130055/Surgeon-Mohammaed-Jawad-i-007.jpg
Surgeon Mohammed Jawad reconstructs the faces of women disfigured by acid attacks in Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy's film Saving Face

Filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy has made the headlines by bringing home Pakistan's first-ever Oscar for her documentary short – Saving Face. The film exposes the horrifying brutal acid attacks on women, and the amazing work of the British Pakistani plastic surgeon Mohammed Jawad, who travelled back to his countryof birth to rebuild the victims' disfigured faces. Obaid-Chinoy dedicated the Oscar to "all the heroes working on the ground in Pakistan" and to "all the women in Pakistan who are working for change".

Unsurprisingly, Facebook and Twitter feeds were soon clogged with overjoyed, patriotically proud Pakistanis, reposting the clip of her Oscar speech, with some suggesting it was an even greater occasion than when Imran Khan raised the cricket World Cup back in 1992.

The Express Tribune, Pakistan's liberal English-language newspaper, hailed Obaid-Chinoy as a role model, the "face of a more liberal and tolerant Pakistan". Dawn newspaper wrote of the "welcome change" of seeing Pakistan talked about in a positive context internationally, while the Urdu paper Nawa-e-Waqt even produced a special supplement to honour her win. "The whole of Pakistan prayed for her," it said. "Her victory made every Pakistani happy." The government, meanwhile, will present the 33-year-old with a civilian award.

But not everyone is so overjoyed. Alongside the praise are mumbling criticisms from commentators who feel Obaid-Chinoy has brought shame on the country. They complain she is merely reinforcing the west's negative view of Pakistan. As a Pakistani herself, the dissenters argue, she shouldn't be promoting it in a bad light.

So far she's been called a "liberal fascist" and a "traitor", who is "defaming" Pakistan and "belittling the country" through her choice of subject matter. There are comments like this under newspaper articles: "She has made a career out of trashing Pakistan. I don't know why so many people are starting to like her, she has done nothing to improve the image of Pakistan," and blogs asking: "Was there no positive story available in Pakistan for Hollywood to enjoy?"

Sadly, this exasperating attitude is not just focused on Obaid-Chinoy, but is also reflective of a lazy, myopic attitude that a minority of Pakistanis share, the kind that would rather turn a blind eye to its society's problems than acknowledge serious violation of women's rights and tackle them. When I visited a women's shelter in Lahore a few years ago, for instance, to interview women who had fled domestic abuse and forced marriage, I was implored to "write about the good bits, not the bad". I can't deny the work of the women's shelter was indeed fantastic, but ignoring the violence that led these women to seek shelter is irresponsible.

Obaid-Chinoy is no "traitor"; she has honestly opened her eyes to the problems of her home country. It is possible to be patriotic to a nation, and yet critical of it at the same time. As writer Mohsin Hamid tweeted: "Upset Pak[istan] has won its first Oscar for a film 'critical' of the country? Your attitude might explain why it's taken so long."

In the New York Times, a Pakistani journalist wrote: "What does it say about a country that it would rejoice at attracting global attention for rampant violations of women's rights? Obaid-Chinoy's film highlights these problems – hardly a point of pride for Pakistanis."

But if Pakistanis are proud, it's because Obaid-Chinoy has created history and in doing so, she's given her country hope at many levels. There's hope for young Pakistani girls that they have options to follow a career, no matter how unconventional. There's hope for Pakistan's incredible artistic, cultural talent, that it might one day be taken seriously.

But most importantly, there's hope for women like Zakia and Rukhsana, the women who feature in the film and whose husbands threw acid on them. There's hope they don't have to live in shame because of what has been done to them. There's hope they will find justice, that the men that do this won't go unpunished. There's hope that more people like Jawad will come forward, and show victims of this brutality that there is a chance to live again.

And there is hope that after the Oscar euphoria dies down, Pakistan will search its soul and look for ways to better its society for women. After winning her Oscar, Obaid-Chinoy launched an anti-acid attack campaign. Her mother explained that it was to make "our society more humane". That effort alone is something to be proud of.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/mar/01/pakistan-oscar-winner-sharmeen-obaid-chinoy?newsfeed=true

Yes, let us be the only ones who bash themselves so passionately for their ills, and let the whole world also bash us for our ills. Let Pakistan be the only country blamed for all terrorism around the world. Lets blame our military, let's just blame and keep complaining and whining all the time. There is no hope, nothing positive, nothing at all to look forward to. Pakistan is the worst country ever. We are far, far worse than the utopias of the USA and India. I should start an NGO, or make a film about some problem facing this developing country. Make it look like the worst place on earth. At least that way I'll get some $$$ and a US visa. And most Pakistanis would pat me on the back for it!

Like I said, I am pissed off. Why? Because the award has been given by a biased jury. The film won ONLY and ONLY because it shows something negative about Pakistan. And Sharmeen Obaid obviously never finds anything positive to make a documentary about either.

So tell me something, what was being done for these women who were victims of acid attacks? Do you know what the penalty for an acid attack is? 14 years in prison for physical mutilation of a person with potential loss of eyesight. Do you think thats fair? Mindyou this penalty was only recently introduced after this subject and the victims got notoriety. Whats more perplexing is that there still isn't any sort of enforcement of this law! As I stated earlier, one of the victims showcased in the documentary was attacked in front of a courthouse in front of the police and he still roams freely! Do you think thats fair?

But no, we shouldn't say anything about it, we shouldn't beat the drum about this menace. We should sit quietly with our heads in the sand and vehemently deny every wrong that takes place in this developing land of Pakistan.

Give me a break! In order to correct our problems, we must first accept them. Your anger towards Sharmeen Obaid is misplaced. You should be angry at the bastards in office whose job it is protect the rights of Pakistani citizens who refuse to do anything unless they face extreme pressure from not only internal but external sources.

No woman should have to live under the specter of acid attacks. Everything should be done to protect womens rights and guarantee their safety regardless of the cost or repercussions to our "image".

I am not saying that acid throwing is not a serious problem. The people that do this are despicable excuses for human beings, and they need to be given severe punishment for committing this crime. My problem is not that the documentary was made. My problem is with celebrating the oscar win. How is this film winning the oscar in any way beneficial to Pakistan? It is yet another negative aspect of the country forwarded for the rest of the world to base assumptions generalizations on about my country. The content of the film is a matter of national shame. If anything, we should be hanging our heads in shame instead of jumping up and down like clowns just because Americans have decided to patronize some filmmaker who has made a film that shows Pakistan in a bad light. Why are people celebrating an award from an Academy that would never hand out an oscar for something positive about Pakistan?

How do we improve the situation of women in the country? How do we make sure acid attacks stop? By making documentaries in Urdu, Punjabi, Siraiki, Sindhi, Pushto and Balochi. Pakistan's national languages. By media campaigns on Pakistani channels. Through educated Pakistanis putting pressure on the government. Not by making a documentary about acid victims for foreign consumption in the English language. We have enough examples of positive laws introduced into Pakistani books in the last 10 years from mere domestic pressure. There is no need to go around making documentaries meant only for foreigners to see about Pakistan's problems. Even if they are being made, ther e is certainly no reason to be celebrating such wins.

Besides, like I said, this woman Ms. Chinoy has never focused on anything positive. Always negative doom and gloom. This is why I refuse to jump on the 'yaay the white man gave us an award' bandwagon.

Lets see the list of gems this lady has produced:

- Terror's Children
- Reinventing the Taliban
- Pakistan's Double Game
- Lifting the Veil
- Pakistan: Children of the Taliban

etc...etc...

Sorry, someone that started her career at New York Times, and loves making only negative documentaries about my country will not receive my support. She is merely making films on topics that she is paid to make by her American employers.

It is people like this that are a threat to our country's existence and unity. Demoralize the nation so much, spread so much depression and hopelessness among people that they start thinking we are living in the worst country in the world.

Why are you getting all worked up over this? Nobody really cares about such crap and it'll be forgotten in a couple of weeks. And this piece of shit documentary would achieve zilch except for some bragging rights for her when she's hobnobbing with some white people in Manhattan while sipping a glass of expensive wine.

I am not saying that acid throwing is not a serious problem. The people that do this are despicable excuses for human beings, and they need to be given severe punishment for committing this crime. My problem is not that the documentary was made. My problem is with celebrating the oscar win. How is this film winning the oscar in any way beneficial to Pakistan? It is yet another negative aspect of the country forwarded for the rest of the world to base assumptions generalizations on about my country. The content of the film is a matter of national shame. If anything, we should be hanging our heads in shame instead of jumping up and down like clowns just because Americans have decided to patronize some filmmaker who has made a film that shows Pakistan in a bad light. Why are people celebrating an award from an Academy that would never hand out an oscar for something positive about Pakistan?

Wow so you finally condemned the actual act of violence on which the documentary was based, only took you 4 posts to actually accept the problem and do so. :|

Cite one instance in which I actually celebrated her winning an Oscar. Quote a single sentence from any of my posts in this thread where I was jumping up and down with joy celebrating the Oscar win. I dont give a rats ass about the Oscar. The Academy awards are so out of touch with the American Public opinion of motion pictures that it is all but irrelevent at this point. But I digress.

I agree with you fully that this movie was given an Oscar only to further malign Pakistan. The American media needs a reason to pounce on Pakistan nowadays and they will take anything that comes their way. I logon to Yahoo everyday and I see atleast one negative headline regarding Pakistan almost everytime. The media saw this as a golden opportunity to malign Pakistan and they pounced on it. What is probably the most biased news outlet in perhaps the entire world, Rediff from India didnt let the opportunity go either, even they ran a special on Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy nevermind the fact that acid attacks occur in India aswell.

Having said that however, none of that matters. The only thing that matter is that this issue is now out in the open and the sons of bitches whose job it is to ensure the rights of every civilian might be coaxed out of their lethargy to actually do their jobs and provide these women with justice and guarantee the rights of all other women. Regardless of the Western media's vested interests behind giving this documentary an Oscar, fact of the matter is that it is the best thing that could have happened.

How do we improve the situation of women in the country? How do we make sure acid attacks stop? By making documentaries in Urdu, Punjabi, Siraiki, Sindhi, Pushto and Balochi. Pakistan's national languages. By media campaigns on Pakistani channels. Through educated Pakistanis putting pressure on the government. Not by making a documentary about acid victims for foreign consumption in the English language. We have enough examples of positive laws introduced into Pakistani books in the last 10 years from mere domestic pressure. There is no need to go around making documentaries meant only for foreigners to see about Pakistan's problems. Even if they are being made, ther e is certainly no reason to be celebrating such wins.

It is sad that awareness and activism regarding this issue is only prevalent in the English speaking upper and upper middle class of Pakistan. This documentary was made in English precisely for this reason. Those who wield any power over the decision makers are these particular classes of the populace and the purpose of this documentary was to educate them on the issue. The responsibility to educate the masses about this doesnt fall on Sharmeen Obaid, that is the responsibility of the Government. Ensuring the safety of citizens is something that is directly in the purview of the Government which is why I said before that your anger against Sharmeen Obaid is misplaced.

Besides, like I said, this woman Ms. Chinoy has never focused on anything positive. Always negative doom and gloom. This is why I refuse to jump on the 'yaay the white man gave us an award' bandwagon.

Lets see the list of gems this lady has produced:

- Terror's Children
- Reinventing the Taliban
- Pakistan's Double Game
- Lifting the Veil
- Pakistan: Children of the Taliban

etc...etc...

Yes, these documentaries are all based on problems that are facing our country and society. All the documentaries are based on undeniable facts for which there is tangible evidence. Perhaps you would like all documentaries to be made on positive things, for all of us to simply ignore our problems and hope and pray that they will go away. Guess what, thats not how things work. If one has cancer and wants to live then allowing the cancer to metastasize wont achieve the desired results. Similarly if we have problems, allowing the problems to run their course and not do anything about them is not a means to a solution.

It is people like this that are a threat to our country's existence and unity. Demoralize the nation so much, spread so much depression and hopelessness among people that they start thinking we are living in the worst country in the world.

Right, I'm not surprised to hear you say that. Its not the most outlandish thing you have stated on the subject, I suppose. I mean it did take you 4 posts to actually condemn the act of violence on which the documentary was based. I guess Sharmeen Obaid is indeed the criminal in all of this, not the men who actually threw the acid on the women. :|

Brighty, I must ask, have you any original opinion on any subject or do you just parrot everything the establishment says?

Wow so you finally condemned the actual act of violence on which the documentary was based, only took you 4 posts to actually accept the problem and do so. :|

So before I did that, did you think I support disfiguring women through acid attacks? Or did you think I don't support severe punishments for those that commit this act?

Cite one instance in which I actually celebrated her winning an Oscar. Quote a single sentence from any of my posts in this thread where I was jumping up and down with joy celebrating the Oscar win. I dont give a rats ass about the Oscar. The Academy awards are so out of touch with the American Public opinion of motion pictures that it is all but irrelevent at this point. But I digress.

I am talking about my friends on Facebook posting about this oscar win and being 'so proud'. All the Pakistanis on twitter going crazy about this. Funnily, I bet none of them has actually seen the documentary, nor will they.

I agree with you fully that this movie was given an Oscar only to further malign Pakistan. The American media needs a reason to pounce on Pakistan nowadays and they will take anything that comes their way. I logon to Yahoo everyday and I see atleast one negative headline regarding Pakistan almost everytime. The media saw this as a golden opportunity to malign Pakistan and they pounced on it. What is probably the most biased news outlet in perhaps the entire world, Rediff from India didnt let the opportunity go either, even they ran a special on Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy nevermind the fact that acid attacks occur in India aswell.

Well, I am glad you realize this. But 99.9% of English speaking Pakistanis do not.

Having said that however, none of that matters. The only thing that matter is that this issue is now out in the open and the sons of bitches whose job it is to ensure the rights of every civilian might be coaxed out of their lethargy to actually do their jobs and provide these women with justice and guarantee the rights of all other women. Regardless of the Western media's vested interests behind giving this documentary an Oscar, fact of the matter is that it is the best thing that could have happened.

The issue has been out in the open long before this documentary was made. In fact, it is Ms. Obaid who has made the documentary only after it got a lot of attention in the press and media in recent years. I've been reading editorials, letters to the editors and articles in Dawn about acid attacks since years. Ms. Obaid knew this shocking practice would catch attention worldwide and get her some $$$, so she went for it.

This documentary will have no affect on the prevalence of acid attacks here. Or at least, it will have the least affect out of everything else other people are doing. More needs to be done, but locally. Not sending out an English language documentary to film festivals around the world so Ms. Obaid can get invitations and jet around the world to represent the poor victims of this heinous crime.

It is sad that awareness and activism regarding this issue is only prevalent in the English speaking upper and upper middle class of Pakistan. This documentary was made in English precisely for this reason. Those who wield any power over the decision makers are these particular classes of the populace and the purpose of this documentary was to educate them on the issue. The responsibility to educate the masses about this doesnt fall on Sharmeen Obaid, that is the responsibility of the Government. Ensuring the safety of citizens is something that is directly in the purview of the Government which is why I said before that your anger against Sharmeen Obaid is misplaced.

So you believe that a bunch of urban 30 somethings can complain to someone sitting in Islamabad, and that will change things in the rural heartland of Pakistan? The police forces of Pakistan are not under the control of the Federal government. The leaders of the provincial assemblies are not answerable to the urban English speaking middle class. No amount of complaining in English can change this phenomenon. The strategy to tackle this problem needs to be devised by people that actually live in areas where this practice happens.

Yes, these documentaries are all based on problems that are facing our country and society. All the documentaries are based on undeniable facts for which there is tangible evidence. Perhaps you would like all documentaries to be made on positive things, for all of us to simply ignore our problems and hope and pray that they will go away. Guess what, thats not how things work. If one has cancer and wants to live then allowing the cancer to metastasize wont achieve the desired results. Similarly if we have problems, allowing the problems to run their course and not do anything about them is not a means to a solution.

This one on the acid victims is based on fact. Not the others. This woman has a very clear agenda.

Right, I'm not surprised to hear you say that. Its not the most outlandish thing you have stated on the subject, I suppose. I mean it did take you 4 posts to actually condemn the act of violence on which the documentary was based. I guess Sharmeen Obaid is indeed the criminal in all of this, not the men who actually threw the acid on the women. :|

Brighty, I must ask, have you any original opinion on any subject or do you just parrot everything the establishment says?

So having an 'original opinion' is parroting whatever Wall Street Journal or New York Times says about Pakistan, right? :)

Why are you getting all worked up over this? Nobody really cares about such crap and it'll be forgotten in a couple of weeks. And this piece of shit documentary would achieve zilch except for some bragging rights for her when she's hobnobbing with some white people in Manhattan while sipping a glass of expensive wine.

Because people like her are making it socially unacceptable to be a patriot. Her approach is selfish, self serving. She earns money from these flims, and she is only doing it to earn a nice living. She is not doing anything out of love for Pakistan. That is what people do not realize, and there are many, many like her who the dumb English speaking population of Pakistan follow and idolize.

The world can think negatively of us. That I can live with. But what she and other like her are doing to the psyche of the Pakistani population, that is very damaging in the long run.

yeahh its interesting how in all er docs she protrayed the bad things in pakistan...y couldnt she make a doc on the gud things that come out of our country .... but then again as they say 'theres no news like bad news'

The people here praising her are only looking at 10% of the picture. YES what she portrayed is something which needs to be highlighted and is a problem in our society BUT these are issues that should remain INTERNAL instead of going around the world and showing what a bad place pakistan is, WHAT SEEMS LIKE HER AGENDA.

Look at other countries like India they will always show and promote the POSITIVE side of their country globally even twisting facts in their favor like their lost wars to show to the world. TODAY THE MEDIA IS THE MOST POWERFUL TOOL WHICH COUNTRIES USE IN THEIR FAVOUR AND PAKISTAN IS AT THE RECEIVING END OF IT AND WHAT DOES THIS FILM MAKER DO, JOIN IN WITH THEM TO SHOW A NEGATIVE PAKISTAN.

PEOPLE LIKE SHARMEEN ARE JUST IDIOTS.

As for those for are saying theres nothing else to show then your sleeping and ignorant. Pakistan needs to use the media to counter this negativity, when the west attacks our ISI and Army why cant we show the true facts about out sacrifices in the so called war on terror, why cant we show how India supports terrorism in the country just like India does against us, why cant we show our rich history, we can show how important Pakistan is to the world and how drone attacks do nothing but radicalise more people and promote terroism.

Man, after the Oscars I was kinda surprised that when I logged into Yahoo! news, it wasn't there. In fact I was disappointed. How could they let this opportunity go? I was thinking of writing to their editor-in-chief. Anyway, lo and behold, after a week it was TOP news! The one which has a picture (the rest is text). I must say I was relieved! Someone must've got fired for missing this important bit of news, but they made sure it made headlines a week later. I am almost willing to bet this is the only Oscar-winning doc to have achieved that. At most maybe 2 in the last decade.

Thanks, Yahoo! news.

'Saving Face' to be released in Pakistan after Urdu dubbing: Sharmeen

http://images.thenews.com.pk/updates_pics/3-10-2012_39166_l.jpg

The first Pakistani Oscar award winner, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy said Saturday that bringing Oscar to Pakistan is an achievement and honor for her, Geo News reported.

Sharmeen was addressing a press conference in a local hotel. She was greeted warmly upon her arrival after winning the golden statue.

The Pakistani director won her country its first Oscar for "Saving Face", a 52-minute documentary film about acid attacks on women, and the doctors and social workers who helped restore their faces.

Upon arrival, she said Oscar has arrived here adding that she was feeling great to be in Pakistan. She greeted the nation for this glory.

Sharmeen said "Saving Face" would be released in Pakistan provided that the victim women who worked in the film get protection.

In April, the film will be released in London followed by dubbing in Urdu for release in Pakistan, she added.

Oscar winner said she would make efforts to work on such projects in future as well.

Any news on Waar release date?

Hope its released here too, can't wait to see it.

I was happy when she won but now after looking at her previous work--kinda iffy about it.

I hope she isnt one of those so called "liberal pakistanis" drinking cappucino and ranting about everything thats "Pakistani" in the express tribune section and promoting everything thats "westernization, pro-indian, pro-baloch, anti ISI, anti Military, anti Islam, anti Arabs, etc"

^^ 120% agree with u broo

110% Agreed

Cinema Related news:

Cine Star seals deal with IMAX Corp for 3D Cinema screens


The IMAX Corporation and Cine Star Cinema Pakistan have announced an agreement to install three digital IMAX theatre systems in new projects in Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi, beginning in 2013. The announcement marks the opening of IMAX’s first commercial theatres in Pakistan.
“One of the key reasons for our strategic investment in IMAX is the company’s success in developing markets globally. We believe IMAX represents an exciting and profitable business opportunity that will set our multiplexes apart from our competition,” said Faraz Chaudhry, CEO Cine Star Pakistan. “With the most immersive cinematic platform available, coupled with the best in Hollywood and local-language content, we look forward to offering our patrons a movie-going experience unlike anything they’ve had before.”
“Cine Star, one of the top cinema chains in Pakistan, is a strategic partner that shares our vision of delivering the ultimate cinematic experience to movie-goers,” said Richard L. Gelfond, CEO of IMAX. “We look forward to expanding in Pakistan – a market which we believe provides exciting opportunities for growth.”
An official announcement will be made on March 16, 2012, at the IMAX Corporation office in Mississauga, Canada.

http://www.rewaj.com/entertainment/14th-london-asian-film-festival-awards-for-bol-and-tamanna.html

14th London Asian Film Festival
BEST FILM BOL
BEST FEMALE ACTOR HUMAIMA MALIK
BEST NEW TALENT AMR KASHMIRI
BEST MUSIC TALENT IN A FILM RAHAT FATEH ALI KHAN-FILM-TAMANNA

The 14th London Asian Film Festival Awards at BAFTA
Published Sunday, Mar 25 2012, 17:54 BST | By Priya Joshi | 1 comment
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The 14th London Asian Film Festival came to a close yesterday with the final awards ceremony.

Nominees and representatives of the British Asian and international film community attended the event, co-hosted by Preeya Kalidas at the prestigious BAFTA building.

Sunanda Shetty, producer of the The Desire - A Journey of a Woman, which stars her daughter Shilpa Shetty, told Digital Spy how it felt to have the film screened at the festival and nominated in several categories.

"I'm very happy that our film has multiple nominations. I have won quite a few awards in other festivals as well and The London Asian Film Festival asked me to send in the film. I think they loved it."

Watch the trailer for The Desire - A Journey of a Woman below:



The cinema of Pakistan was represented at the festival with a screening of Bol, a film which focuses on gender discrimination.

The film's lead actress Humaima Malik told Digital Spy why she felt it was important for Pakistani cinema to be represented at the festival: "Bol is an art piece from my country so it feels great to represent my cinema and my country. It's a very meaningful film. There's no 'hulla gulla' and it features the real experiences of women. It's an important film because the subject is so powerful and it's been nominated in so many different countries for so many awards.

"We have seven nominations today. It's not about winning. It's just about being represented amongst so many people and great films. All the team is here. It feels great. I'm crossing my fingers. I get to see a lot of good work here too from other countries."

Italo Spinelli, director of the widely acclaimed Gangor, travelled from Rome especially to attend the awards. He told Digital Spy about his experience of shooting the film, which exposes the exploitation of tribal women in Bangladesh and the impact of Indian cinema the world over.

"The film was shot in West Bengal. It was perfect. I really appreciate the people and we had such a great experience of working with professional people," he said.

"With Indian cinema, there's a change in the scenario. Indian cinema is now not so stereotyped, but I don't know if Bollywood-style movies are so accepted in Italy or Europe, but there's a lot of energy there so we will see what happens in time. I'm sure it will be appreciated."

Collecting the 'Best Director' award Spinelli said: "It's an honour to be here and receive this award. I'd like to dedicate this award to the fight of the tribal women in India and their fight for their rights and a better life."

Accepting the award for 'Best Male Actor' for his role in Trishna (also starring Frieda Pinto), Michael Winterbottom's adaptation of Tess of the D' Urbervilles, Riz Ahmed said: "This means a lot to me. It's been amazing watching the London Asian Film Festival go from strength to strength. I'd like to thank Pushpinder [Chowdhry] for giving a platform to alternative voices coming out of South Asia.

"And I should thank my Mum, because being Asian and telling your parents you want to be an actor could lead to a fishy reception, but my family have been very supportive, so I'd like to dedicate this to them."

Riz Ahmed

© WENN
Frieda Pinto

© WENN


Accepting the 'Best Film' award for Bol, the film's line producer Fatima Khan said: "I would like to dedicate this award to the youth of Pakistan. They are very talented people who are working relentlessly to promote a very positive image of Pakistan."

Legendary screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement award. While Akhtar was unable to attend the event, he sent a statement expressing his gratitude for the honour.

"I would like to thank the Tongues on Fire Film Festival for this award and would like to thank the festival director and their team for the wonderful work they have been doing.

"Industry awards are always important, but this award from the UK is especially significant as a recognition not only of my body of work, but for Indian cinema at large and the huge impact on the audience in the British Asian diaspora."

Speaking to Digital Spy Pushpinder Chowdhry, founder and director of the London Asian Film Festival, summed up the highlights of the ten day event.

"The festival has been fantastic. We're really pleased with it. We had Abhishek opening the festival, which was really the cherry on the cake for us, and then he ran a workshop which wasn't programmed, but he said 'I would love to talk about my craft'.

"And apart from that we've had a really fantastic set of films, documentaries, short films, we had networking opportunities for the film fraternity and our volunteers have worked really hard to make the festival a success."

Chowdhry went on to explain what she felt was the key message of the festival: "I think especially this year when we are focusing on Pakistani cinema, the message is that we need to provide role models for emerging talent here in the UK, so hopefully they could find a platform to network, meet the film fraternity from here and abroad. We have the art director from Italy, and of course cast here from Pakistan. Hopefully that interaction will get the wheels turning.

"Every year has been harder than the previous year. Resources have been an obstacle but hopefully next year more sponsors can come on board and we can make the festival an even more enriching celebration of South Asian cinema."

Full list of winners:

Best Film:
[B]Bol - WINNER!
Meherjaan
Michael
Gangor

Best Crossover Film
Gangor
Lucky - WINNER!
Trishna
The Desire - A Journey of a Woman

Best Director:
Avie Luthra - Lucky
Italo Spinelli - Gangor - WINNER!
Rubaiyat Hossain - Meherjaan
Shoaib Mansoor - Bol

Best Male Actor:
Rizwan Ahmed - Trishna - WINNER!
Naseeruddin Shah - Michael
Manzar Sehbai - Bol
Victor Banerjee - Lucky

Best Female Actor:
Humaima Malik - Bol - WINNER!
Shilpa Shetty - The Desire
Frieda Pinto - Trishna
Jayashree Basavraj - Lucky

Best New Talent:
Sihle Dlamini - Lucky
Ribhu Dasgupta - Michael
Amr Kashmiri - Bol - WINNER!

Best Film Production
Meherjaan
Bol
The Desire - A Journey of a Woman - WINNER!
Lucky

Best Music Talent in a Film
Atif Aslam - Bol
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan - Tamanna - WINNER!
AR Rahman - Trishna

The Audience Choice Award
Throw of a Dice - WINNER!

Lifetime Achievement Award
Javed Akhtar - WINNER!

Short Film Competition
The Lad - WINNER!

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/bollywood/news/a373031/the-14th-london-asian-film-festival-awards-at-bafta.html

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2YMX3wzRZAw/TxFevrHHfkI/AAAAAAAADC4/gc9r8IW12ME/s1600/Upcomin+Movies+2012.jpg

^^ kool

Nice.. thanks. :)

KARACHI:
With the Oscar coming home, around nine films already in the production and the trailer of Waar creating a stir, things seem to be finally picking pace for the Pakistani film industry. However in this new age of cinema, government and film institutions must also play an important role in imparting proper film education to potential film-makers because creative ventures can’t go far if they don’t have strong technological and financial backing.
Start from the scratch
“We need to halt the revival of cinema and start from scratch and that will only happen when the academia starts promoting this field,” says Daniyal Ali Khan, South Asian Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Television (SAAMPT).
Khan, who has been teaching film studies for around 10 years now, has been previously associated with Szabist’s Media Science department, Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture and National Academy of Performing Arts (Napa). He believes that the film departments in Pakistani universities need to follow the pattern of international film programmes to churn out well-informed film-makers.
“You can’t just offer a brief course on film and encourage the use of DSLRs and call it film education. Students should get hands-on experience on professional cameras and professional film formats such as 35 mm and 16 mm. Once the base is set, then may be later on in the course other formats can be introduced,” says Khan.
According to him, film should be introduced in the curriculum as a tool and technique. The dean, who was a film student himself at Columbia College Chicago, US, thinks that there is nothing wrong in buying camcorders and DSLRs as it helps in developing a student’s passion, however, craftsmanship and narrative finesse which comes from proper storyboarding and adept camera angles should not be overlooked. Khan believes that the most basic thing that decides whether a motion picture is good or bad is the crispness of storytelling. “Leave a camera with a monkey in a cage and he will find the button and eventually manage to capture something, but will it be a good film?”
Reaching dead end?
Khan believes that the aesthetic value of film shouldn’t be sacrificed at any cost and that is what the institutions need to keep their focus on, because apart from technique, it is the art of storytelling that matters. Drawing comparisons to the time when there were no institutions as such, Khan sees the emergence of new media schools and film departments as a beacon of hope, however what worries him is the teaching methodology and choice of faculty members.
He believes that no matter how experienced a certain industry professional is, if he is not educated in the field of film-making then, he shouldn’t be teaching film because what matters apart from knowledge and experience is the teaching methodology.
“The teacher should have a background in the relevant field that he or she is teaching. For example, you can’t get a graphic designer or a theatre major to teach film, you are being unjust to the craft itself,” says Khan.
The solution
Khan totally believes in the old adage ‘Jack of all trades, master of none’ and stresses that film and media schools should try to strengthen their students’ focus instead of stuffing too many irrelevant courses into the syllabus. “By specialising, I mean majors such as direction, scriptwriting, editing, cinematography and production should have regimented curriculum and one major should not overlap with the other because that just results in confusion and student learning courses that don’t help them later on.”
Khan also believes that Higher Education Commission (HEC) also has the most crucial role to play than anyone else. “HEC should build a committee comprising senior media practitioners and film-makers like Javed Jabbar to look after media and film education all over Pakistan. They should keep a check as to whether every institute is at par with the standard of the local industry,” he concludes.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 23rd, 2012.

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KARACHI: After over a decade, famous silver screen actor Shabnam returned to Pakistan from Bangladesh on Monday night. She was warmly welcomed by hordes of excited fans and media personnel.
Shabnam, accompanied by her husband, renowned music composer Robin Ghosh, expressed her joy at coming back to the country that brought her fame. The couple, originally belonging to parts in former East Pakistan, had shifted to Bangladesh at the end of the 20th century.
“I’ll try to meet everyone,” the actor told the media on being asked whether she will meet her former colleagues in the country. She further expressed sorrow over the closure of Pakistani film studios.
When asked if she would consider working for Pakistani films again, Shabnam didn’t sound too sure.
On the insistence of some media personnel, Shabnam sang a line from one of the songs filmed on her.
According to a report by Dawn, Shabnam is returning to the country to be a part of a show organised by Pakistan Television to honour the couple for their contribution to Pakistani films.

Entertainment outlet: New hangout for film buffs of the twin cities

RAWALPINDI:
To cater to a burgeoning film-going culture, a first of its kind Arena 3D cinema was launched at Bahria Town here on Thursday. The state-of-the-art cinema has been designed by Architects Inc in collaboration with Ali Ishaq and is set along the lines of international movie theatres.

Saad Qureshi of Architects Inc said the auditorium was redone and completed in four to five months. The architects travelled to Singapore, Bangkok and parts of Europe to get an idea of movie theatre designs in these countries, he added.

The detailing and finishing of the cinema is remarkable. Large embossed glass doors lead visitors inside. As people wait for the show, they can relax on cushy lounge-esque seating.

Thick carpeted stairs lead one to the cinema, which has a total of 260 seats with two VIP lounges.

Most of the equipment such as the project and the seats were imported from America and Dubai. At the seats, tables slide out of the arm and move to the front with a cup holder on the side.

“This will keep me from dropping snacks in the dark or juggling with food on my lap,” said Sarah Khan, a visitor.

Qureshi explained, “The setting is modern and contemporary with subtle brown and black paisley patterned wallpaper paired with crystal lights and thick carpet for a comfortable feel.”

He added that a great number of people live in Bahria Town and the cinema is meant for them. Open only to families, the cinema will also eventually have side attractions like a play area and a shopping mall.

Natalia Tariq, another visitor, said, “Even though, it’s far from Islamabad, I’d still go because it’s so nice.”

The single-screen theatre can project movies in both 2D and 3D. The ticket costs Rs400 for a 2D film, while Rs500 for 3D. Cinepax, another popular hangout for the twin cities’ movie buffs, bests Arena 3D’s offerings with more screens and lower ticket prices – Rs350 for 2D and Rs450 for 3D.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 28th, 2012.

http://tribune.com.pk/story/370879/entertainment-outlet-new-hangout-for-film-buffs-of-the-twin-cities/

Any news when film "WAAR" will realease???

It is Pakistani film so no accurate releasing date

Something to look forward to?



After Shoaib Mansoor’s blockbuster Khuda Kay Liyay in 2007, there was a long pause in Pakistani feature films, then in 2010 came Bol, yet again by the same director. It almost seems as if there is only one person working on getting out of the “gujjar-gandassa” and “rainy dance in vulgar clothes” film culture.

That perception began to change when we started hearing news about the much awaited film “WAAR” (to strike) directed by Bilal Lashari. The plot has been stimulated by the war on terror in Pakistan, an action/thriller drama featuring Shaan, Ali Azmat, Shamoon Abbasi, Meesha Shafi and others.

And this is not it for the film deprived Pakistani audience. Whoever says that our film industry is dying should look out for the promising trailers floating around on YouTube and social networking websites.

The industry veterans and new talents are working on almost 8-10 different movies with a range of topics from social to political to romance and drama. And yes, going by the trailers they all seem quite promising.

Farjad Nabi and Meenu Gaur’s Zinda Bhaag was recently mentioned in different newspapers when Indian actor Naseeruddin Shah came for its shooting. The film is based on the subject of illegal immigration. It has just entered the post-production days and soon the trailer will be out.

Then there is The Dusk by Zeeshan Kazmi, which deals with human emotions and the behaviour of society towards victims of terrorism set in the current situation of Pakistan. Rafina, by Sabiha Sumar (of Khamosh Pani fame), has been in production for quite some time and the director hopes to release it commercially very soon.

Thirty minutes of Mansoor Mujahid’s Seedlings (Urdu name Lamha) starring television couple Aamina Sheikh and Mohib Mirza, was previewed last month at a local university with a Q&A with the cast and the crew.

Iram Parveen Bilal’s Josh revolves around the youth and their thrilling journey of discovering the power of the individual and inspiring a movement of change.

Industry veterans such as Shahzad Nawaz, actor Humayun Saeed and acclaimed music and TV commercial director Jami are also giving final touches to their respective film ventures.

Many other works are in production or in the conceptualization phase. Sources tell us that Shaoib Mansoor is also working on his third film project which is going to be about the 1947 sub-continent partition days. They story is written by the man himself.

The remarkable thing to see is that different subjects are being highlighted and social issues are being raised. There have been many movies from outside which have dealt with similar issues but to see this stir being generated in Pakistan is exciting. It’s a great feeling to hear about young film-makers and veterans of the industry working towards recreating the long lost cinema of Pakistan.

Well known writer from Balochistan, Hashim Nadeem Khan is also working on his novel turned film Abdullah. A few teasers are going around on social networking websites, where one can see that the cast includes television actor Sajid Hasan, Hameed Sheikh and many others.

By looking at the boom in film-making, there should be investment from the government side, which could help raise the technical infrastructure. The filmmakers should be given the facility to do post-production in their own country and not have to go aboard which could substantially cut the overall cost of production.

The initiative and creativity of these filmmakers highlights the promising future of the film industry. Hopefully this will raise the bar and allow young students or film-makers to make their passion a reality.

The writer is an Interactive Producer at Dawn.com

Click on the link below to watch trailers of a few upcoming films.

http://dawn.com/2012/05/09/2785573/

In one of those trailers its tht scottish BBCD who did a very poorly done documentary called karachi uncovered a few years ago! God I hate BBCDs!

Pakistani students win international award for film on drones

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The Other Side made by Iqra University students won Best Audience Award at National Film Festival For Talented Youth

A short film on US drone attacks in Pakistani made by Iqra University students won an international award this week, said a press release.

The film The Other Side was awarded with Best Audience Award at National Film Festival For Talented Youth, Washington. The short film is written and directed by Danish Ali along with five other team members.

The 20-minute film revolves around the idea of assessing social, psychological and economical affects of drones on the people in tribal areas of Pakistan.

The film identifies the problems faced by families who have become victims of drone missiles, and it unearths the line of action which terrorist groups adopt to use victimised families for their vested interests.

Despite being chosen for the award, the filmmakers were unable to attend the award ceremony as their visa applications were rejected twice.

“If we got the visa then it would have been easy for us to frame our point of view in front of the other selected youth filmmakers,” Ali said.

“The film gained interest from the audience across the globe compelling festival administrators to give Audience Award to the film,” he added.

http://tribune.com.pk/story/377392/pakistani-students-win-international-award-for-film-on-drones/

Movie is being made on life of Shahid Afridi. 50% movie has been completed.


“Main Hun Shahid Afiridi” in the making


Humayun Saeed and Shahzad Nasib are producing a movie based on the life of Shahid Khan Afridi, who requires no introduction. Movies based on sports have gained much popularity in the sub-continent after the success of “Chak De! India”. Previously a UK-based filmmaker Faisal Aman Khan, made a movie based on the life of cricketer turned politician Imran Khan.

“Main Hun Shahid Afridi” is a movie which entails the struggles and achievements of a simple boy who made it big in cricket through sheer determination and hard work.

According to Saeed, producer of the movie, more than 50 per cent of the movie has been completed. The movie has been shot at popular stadiums in Karachi and Sialkot through support from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

“Main Hun Shahid Afridi” is being directed by Osman Ali Raza and Saeed himself will star as a coach in the movie. Lead role is being played by a 19-year-old boy called Noman Habib, who himself is an aspiring cricketer. However, Afridi himself will not make any appearance in the movie.


http://dawn.com/2012/05/15/main-hun-shahid-afiridi-in-the-making/

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Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy's Saving Face wins Best Documentary Award at SAARC Film Award. PHOTO: PUBLICITY
KARACHI: Pakistan won its first SAARC Film Award for Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s documentary Saving Face and a Silver Medal in the Best Feature Film category for Mehreen Jabbar’s Ramchand Pakistani, said a press release on Monday.
Awards for Best Documentary of the Year and Silver Medal for Best Feature Film in SAARC region were received on behalf of Pakistan by Seema Ilahi Balloch, High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka at the award ceremony held on Sunday night in Colombo.
Another honour for Pakistan were the awards for Best Actor, which went to Manzar Sehbai and Rashid Farooqi for their roles in Bol and Ramchand Pakistani respectively.
Pakistan had been nominated for two feature films and one documentary in the awards.
The SAARC Film Festival concluded Sunday night with some of best films in the region being acknowledged and awarded. It was held for the second year this time, at National Film Corporation Cinema Hall, organised by the SAARC Cultural Centre in Sri Lanka and brought in nominations from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Maldives & Sri Lanka.
Documentary and feature films were screened daily from May 16-20 for the general public. Well-known film directors from Singapore, Iran & Russia served as adjudicators at the regional film awards.

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A documentary on the life of Benazir Bhutto has received a prestigious electronic media award in the US — the George Foster Peabody Award.

Bhutto is a 111-minute documentary about the two-time Pakistani prime minister who was assassinated in Rawalpindi while campaigning in 2007, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported.

The documentary received the award at a glittering ceremony held in New York.

Bhutto’s son Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who is the chairman of the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party, attended the award ceremony with his aunt Sanam Bhutto.

Hollywood actor Patrick Stewart of X-Men fame presented the awards.

Among prizes for electronic media — radio, television, interactive and new media — the George Foster Peabody Awards are considered the most prestigious.

Founded in 1940, the Peabody is the also the oldest electronic media award in the world, recognising excellence, distinguished achievement, and meritorious public service.

The first radio awards were presented in 1941, the first TV awards in 1948, the first cable TV awards in 1981, and the first website awards in 2003.

Honouring content from large broadcast networks to tiny online outlets, from popular entertainment programmes to independently produced documentaries, the Peabody Awards seek out “excellence on its own terms”.

The awards are administered by the University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication.