‘The Journey Within’ going places

Documentary on ‘Coke Studio’ genesis selected for six film festivals

KARACHI: The role of Coke Studio in reviving Pakistan’s music scene cannot be underscored. The show, which has entered its eighth season, has been the subject of numerous musical spin-offs across the globe and is now the subject of a documentary. The Journey Within premiered at the Full Bloom Film Festival in the United States on September 26.

According to a press release, the documentary focuses on the challenges of war and conflict and how the show has helped reclaim the rich and diverse musical heritage of the region.

The documentary chronicles the show from its inception and how it was able to unify eastern and western sounds that have resonated with audiences all over the world. The Journey Within has managed to be selected for six film festivals in Europe, Asia and the United States.

Read: Coke Studio postpones release of episode following Makkah tragedy

Directed by Mian Adnan Ahmed, a Pakistani filmmaker, the documentary highlights the artists, musicians and production team involved with the project from the beginning. Other members involved with the documentary include Dani Sanchez-Lopez as cinematographer and Yukako Shimada as editor.

Coke Studio, which was the brainchild of former Vital Signs band member Rohail Hyatt, started in 2008 as a music show with a live audience. The format was changed to a studio-only setup from season 2 onwards and has gone on to have eight successful seasons. Notable artists have featured on the show, including Atif Aslam, Ali Zafar, Noori, eP, Sajjad Ali and Aamir Zaki.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 3^rd, 2015.

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