Six-week Divvy film festival commences at PNCA

Films by awardwinning directors, producers screened

ISLAMABAD:

As part of its efforts to support the revival of films and cinema in the country, particularly in the aftermath of the novel coronavirus (Covid19) pandemic, the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) on Friday started a sixweek-long film festival titled Divvy-PNCA Film Festival. Being held at the outdoor auditorium of the PNCA, this is the first public film event to be held since restrictions on Covid-19 were relaxed in the country.

To last from October 9 to November 16, the film festival will be carefully curated to create a thoughtful and immersive experience for the viewer, ending with a discussion with the makers of the film. Showcasing more than 20 independent films, documentaries, feature films, short films, fiction films and animations, screening sessions will be held every Friday during the festival. Certain films screened during the festival will be publicly premiered for the first time.

Addressing the opening ceremony, PNCA DirectorGeneral Dr Fouzia Saeed said that the council is striving for the revival of films and cinema in Pakistan. She highlighted how the council had recently launched a year-long film diploma course with senior filmmakers and artists.

On the inaugural day, four films were screened, including Song of Lahore by Oscar and Emmy award winner Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, Darling by Venice Film Festival award-winner Saim Sadiq, Bukra Avenger by former pop singer and Peabody Award winner Haroon, and K2 and the invisible footmen by Lara Lee. Song of Lahore, which had been jointly directed by Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy and Andy Schocken, documented the story of the Lahore Sachal Ensemble and how art activities were stifled due to restrictions.

Musicians of this group were trying hard to sustain their love for the art of music. Their salvation came in the form of internet earning them fame. The second movie of the evening, “Darling” by Saim Sadiq, had won the Orizzonti Award for best short film at 76th Venice Film Festival in 2019. Set in a Lahori dance theatre, the film showcases the journey of two friends as they struggle to land Alina, a transwoman, as the lead dancer of an erotic dance show.