PNCA all set to present Divvy film festival

Islamabad October 09 (Online): Pakistan National Council of the Arts is striving hard for revival of film & Cinema in Pakistan by taking various steps to give it strength so it could stand on its own, said DG-PNCA Dr Fouzia Saeed on Friday.

Film Diploma Course announced by PNCA is also a move forward in this direction, she added.

She said this while speaking at the opening ceremony of the DIVVY –PNCA FILM FESTIVAL, which includes more than 20 independent films, documentaries, feature films, short films, fiction films and animations.

Dr Fouzia Saeed said certain films will be premiering for the first time in the Festival.

Each Friday evening of this 6-week run (9-October to16 November) has been carefully curated to create a thoughtful and immersive experience for the viewer, ending with a discussion with film makers. Panel discussions are also included.

Each week a list of films and directors will be revealed ahead of screening. On inaugural day SONG OF LAHORE, by Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, DARLING by Saim Sadiq, BURKA AVENGER: anti-cult by Haroon, and K2 AND THE INVISIBLE FOOTMEN by Iara Lee were screened.

First film screened was “Song of Lahore” jointly directed by Shirmeen Obaid Chinoy and Andy Schocken. Movie revolves around Lahore Sachal Ensemble, and on its way, tells the viewer how art activities stifled due to imposed restrictions. The musicians of this group trying hard to sustain their love for art of music, doing everything they can. At last they got famous through internet and went abroad to perform.

Second movie “Darling” by Saim Sadiq is winner of Orizzonti Award for best short film at 76th Venice Film Festival, 2019. Set in a lahori dance theatre, film is based upon journey of two friends as they struggle to land Alina, a trans woman, the spot of lead dancer for an erotic dance show.

Though movie is short but it encapsulates the cruse in just one sentence “how they are going to cast me man, or a woman”. Next was “Burka Avenger” a popular Pakistani animated series by famous singer Haroon.

The basic idea of this series is to create awareness among masses about necessity of girls’ education in Pakistan and abroad. Not restricted to this, emphasis is also upon various social issues of the society and enabling the down trodden to rise to stand against evil.

Last movie “K2 and the Invisible Footmen” directed by Iara Lee was about lives of Pakistani porters and Nepalase sherpas who carry luggage and assist mountain expeditions ascending K-2. One can watch the unsung efforts of these heroes who facilitate the mountaineers but forgotten afterwards. In the concluding session, thorough discussion was held on the themes of these films.

Directors, cinematographers and related crew of these films were part of the panel. Technical aspects were also discussed. “Question/ answer session was informative and panel did satisfy me by giving detailed answer” said one of the participants.