Proud 'Zindagi Tamasha' is representing us at the Oscars 2021: Fatima Bhutto

'Our artists are daring and fearless,' the columnist shares

In November, Pakistan announced its official submission for the Academy Awards. The Pakistani Academy Selection Committee nominated Sarmad Khoosat's directorial Zindagi Tamasha for the International Feature Film for the Oscars in February 2021. While the nomination was lauded by artists and audience alike, the film is yet to release in Pakistan. 

The recent public figure to praise social drama is Fatima Bhutto. Taking to Twitter, the author penned, "Pakistan’s greatest cultural strength isn’t our diversity (we are diverse), range (lots of it), or style (brimming with it). But that our artists are daring and fearless."

Pakistan’s greatest cultural strength isn’t our diversity (we are diverse), range (lots of it), or style (brimming with it). But that our artists are daring & fearless. I’m proud #ZindagiTamasha is representing us at the 2021 Oscars. The @TheAcademy are lucky to have this film pic.twitter.com/MUS5XJYi4l

— fatima bhutto (@fbhutto) January 14, 2021

She went on to add, "I’m proud Zindagi Tamasha is representing us at the 2021 Oscars. The Academy is lucky to have this film."

Earlier, talking about the film's selection, film-maker Khoosat was rather grateful about the honour. 

“All the heartache that Zindagi Tamasha gave me has somehow restored my faith in the power of art too: the sheer, almost physical power of art to make life imitate it. This announcement, for me, is a very bright light shining at the end of this dark tunnel of a year. I made this film in Pakistan and foremost, for Pakistan, for my people and the misfortune that my people have remained deprived of it weighs quite heavy on my artistic conscience," he had said. 

He went on to add, "Some pride is slowly kicking in though and no matter how far we go with this official selection, Zindagi Tamasha will be representing all of us - our ‘Pakistan’. I feel honoured on behalf of my entire team and I am extremely grateful to the committee for finding it worthy enough."

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