Exploring eclectic issues through celluloid

Five documentaries and eight fictional films screened <br /> at show.

LAHORE: Five documentaries and eight fictional films exploring several themes and issues were screened on Wednesday at a degree show featuring the work of students from the Film and Television Department of the National College of Arts (NCA).

Shuwanag, a documentary by Nidal Sher, narrated the story of a shepherd who travels from Nokshi to Baramcha with his herd. Sher, who hails from Balochistan, told The Express Tribune that the subject braves adverse weather conditions and dangerous terrain over the course of his journey to ensure that his flock of sheep can graze. He said he had been inspired by the shepherd’s outlook on life.

“I wanted to show his relationship with the sheep and the hardship he endures to take care of them,” Sher said. He said he had used the guerilla style of filmmaking to make the documentary as he accompanied the shepherd on the three-month journey.

Mithay Choal, a fictional film by Hamza Yousaf, had an emotional impact on the audience. The short film narrated the story of an ill-fated boy from a village who has a weakness for sweet rice. Yousaf told The Express Tribune that his initial concept had been that of grave digger who ends up digging his own grave. He said he had premised the story around that of a father and son after he had come to the conclusion that the bond between a father and a son evinced the strongest reaction from the audience.   .

Anjaan Rastey, a documentary by Umair Ahmad Khawaja, commented on the practice of changing names of historical places and streets in accordance with ‘religious’ sensibilities. Khawaja questions scholars and citizens regarding this throughout the film. He finally asks them whether the name of the city should be changed as well as it is derived from Loh, a Hindu deity, according to one legend.



Meeran Kazmi’s Bachan and Kanzul Fatima Arif’s Moashqa also evinced a strong response from the audience due to completely different reasons. Kazmi’s film mixed several genres to narrate the story of a young boy obsessed with Bachan, the film icon. Arif’s movie narrated the story of a girl desperate for love and affection falling for a divorced cousin.  The show will conclude on Friday.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 19^th, 2015.