Letter From Karachi

by Fareena Chanda

A steady decline over the last several decades of the Pakistani film industry has led to the growth of the independent filmmaker. This expansion has been marked by the passion of the activist; a growth in the repertoire of the non-fiction combined with the desire to explore new avenues of expression, critically analyzing the political and social. The impetus of a reviving independent film industry spans over the trends of globalization, the international political arena which has made the individual Pakistani realize the importance of narrating his personal story.

The early progress of the independent film industry was marred by restrictive censorship policies, dearth of adequate technology and lack of venues to showcase work. However, with the increasing availability and affordability of digital video and editing software, filmmaking is taking an exciting turn both at the professional and amateur level.

The establishment of the KARA Film Festival in 2001 in Karachi has put Pakistan back into the international scene of independent film. Organized and established by Hasan Zaidi and a group of committed young filmmakers, KARA aims to create a space for alternative and independent cinema. It aims to promote an appreciation for the art of filmmaking, encourage creativity and dialogue. Over the last 6 years, the festival has showcased independent films from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Iran, USA, Italy, Brazil, Germany, Russia etc.

A new wave of filmmakers has emerged in Pakistan amongst which Sabiha Sumar’s film Khamosh Pani (Silent Waters, 2003), won several awards at the Locarno International Film Festival in Switzerland in 2003. The film tells the riveting story of the lives of a mother and son living in a Pakistani rural village during the political and religious ideological escalation of the 70s. Sharmeen Obaid, is the first international journalist to be awarded the Livingston Award in 2004 for her documentary Reinventing the Taliban, 2003 produced for the Discovery Times Channel. The film follows Ms. Obaid traveling into the North West Frontier of Pakistan, a stronghold of religious tenacity giving a uniquely personal perspective to the film. Hassan Zaidi’s, Raat Chali Hai Jhoom Kai (Long Night, 2005) is Pakistan’s first digital feature. Placing the city of Karachi as a backdrop, the film highlights the social and political nuances and subtleties existing within the city.

For more information on the KARA Film Festival, visit http://karafilmfestival.com/.