A Pakistani short film titled Stray Dogs Come Out at Night is heading for the Oscar-qualifying Palm Springs International Festival of Short Films 2020.
The film has also been nominated for two awards at the festival including the Best Live Action Short and Vimeo Staff Pick Award.
Written and directed by Hamza Bangash, Stray Dogs Come Out at Night revolves around the story of a young maalishwala (masseuse) named Iqbal who lives with his uncle in a single bedroom apartment in Karachi.
The prior is played by theatre performer Mohammad Ali Hashmi while the latter role has been essayed by popular film and television actor Adnan Shah Tipu.
Announcing the news on Instagram Bangash wrote, "This would have been my first theatrical screening in the US, and is also my first festival selection in the States. The last time I applied for Palm Springs International Film Festival was in 2015, and was promptly rejected."
"Been working on my craft and here 5 years later! Take your time. So grateful to the Palm Springs team for continuing to celebrate films, filmmakers, and for how they pivoted to a virtual festival."
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBFj5sBJ-Ex/
According to the film's description and trailer, the main character, Iqbal's life changes when he finds out he is HIV positive and the loneliness starts getting to him. Following this, he asks his uncle to take him to sea view - the city's sole entertainment for many who can't afford luxurious outings.
The two have elaborate discussions as they stare into the abyss while Iqbal's uncle complains about the actions authorities take against stray dogs as opposed to tackling smugglers, drug dealers and thieves.
The characters seem to familiarise themselves with these dogs who are mistreated for not conforming as the trailer also shows Iqbal refusing to go back home to his mother and wife.
Bangash's previous productions include Dia and Rang Raaz.
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