The Pakistani film revolution we've seen in the past couple of years has not only been taking the country by storm but has also created quite a buzz in the international circuit. Two Pakistani movies, Afia Nathaniel's drama thriller Dukhtar and Nabeel Qureshi's comedy thriller Na Maloom Afraad are all set to be screened at the South Asian International Film Festival (SAIFF).
SAIFF is the largest film premiere destination for South Asian/Indian filmmakers in the United States. SAIFF took birth in New York due to the under-representation of Indian cinema in a capital that is recognised by the world as the birthplace of independent film-making.
The festival showcases films from South Asia (i.e. India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal) and also from within the Indian diaspora.
The festival will also exhibit Kanu Behl's Titli and Sudhish Kamath's X among others and various short films such as Atanu Mukherjee's The Gatekeeper and Sreemoyee Bhattacharya's Veil.
Dukhtar explores the pressing issue of child marriage in Pakistan through the story of a mother who runs away with her 10-year-old daughter to save her from that fate. After being screened at the Toronto International Film Festival and being Pakistan's Oscar nomination in the Foreign Language Film category, Dukhtar will now be screened at yet another international platform.
After Na Maloom Afraad starring Fahad Mustafa, Javed Sheikh and Mohsin Abbas Haider in lead roles emerged as a roaring success at the box office, it's selection for SAIFF doesn't surprise.
The 11th Annual South Asian International Film Festival will take place from November 17-23.
Dukhtar will be screened at the festival on November 22 (a Saturday) and Na Maloom Afraad will wrap up the festival, being screened on November 23, which is also the closing night.
