Skip to main content

WAKHI, a narrative drama, is MICA Scoop's top pick.

 


67th San Francisco International Film Festival 

In the photo with Director Iram Parveen Bilal; actor Faryal Mehmood; producers Abid Aziz Merchant, Apoorva Bakshi, and Aalia Mahboob; and cinematographer Ludovica Isidori 

Filmmaker Iram Parveen Bilal draws inspiration from the story of Qandeel Baloch to create this powerful drama. Baloch was Pakistan's first social media sensation, using her platform to speak out against patriarchy until she was murdered by her brother in an 'honor killing.' This film explores the lives of widowed schoolteacher Noor and her queer best friend Guchhi, who lead double lives filled with bright makeup and flashy wigs, representing freedom and fearlessness. Wakhri presents a different narrative, celebrating the resilience of its protagonists as they demand equality in a flawed society. 

The cinematography is striking, with breathtaking landscapes that serve as both a backdrop and a character in itself, reflecting the beauty and harshness. Bilal's direction brings a delicate balance of intimacy and broader social commentary, allowing viewers to connect with the characters on a personal level while also understanding the larger context of their lives.

The performances are heartfelt, with the cast effectively portraying the nuances of their roles, bringing depth and authenticity to the story. The narrative unfolds with a gentle pace, allowing the audience to absorb the emotional weight of the characters' journeys.

Overall, "Wakhi" is not just a film but an immersive experience that sheds light on a lesser-known culture while addressing universal themes of love, loss, and resilience. It urges viewers to reflect on their own identities and the shared human experience, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate thoughtful storytelling.



San Francisco Film Festival is about that life, the heart of indie filmmaking, storytelling, and discovering new voices. 

#SanFranciscoFilmFestival #IndieFilmmakers #MICAScoop #mediapress #DeafTalent®️

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

DEAF TALENT®

DEAF TALENT® © Copyright Thank you for dropping by to support a social issue and fundraising cause so we can produce our movie, "The Double Life of Zhane Rain."  (The title has now   changed to "The Shattered Mind.") Our goal is to spread and spreading awareness that we need more Deaf Talent ® (of Color) in the mainstream movie industry and in   television. That's why as a writer, I am producing a movie by us and about us because nobody is going to do it for us. We want to attract media attention and let the   world know what we are trying to do. We're very tired of being overlooked and not having our voices heard.    (See  press release  from 2012) We're planning a Deaf Talent® Movement for change in film and TV by using hashtags support  #DEAFTALENT®, #POCDEAFTALENT, #DEAFBLACKFILM, #DEAFERSITY, or #DEAFTALENTSOFCOLOR  to spread   awareness and representation about our film, The Double Life of Zhane Rain, written by first...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Co-option of Deaf Talent® Movement (2012)© 

The  Deaf Talent ®  Movement, founded by the first Black Deaf Filmmaker/Activist,  Jade Bryan  in 2012, is a social and cultural icon centralized on  spreading awareness  about the lack of representation of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) in television and film. However, Black Deaf actors, writers, producers, and Black Deaf stories are the most overlooked in getting recognition in film and television. This movement began on multiple online and real-life platforms, starting with social media. Jade Bryan created a social media platform by using Twitter and Facebook to spread awareness of the need for better representation in television and film before moving her movement to the streets. (See press release from 2012) A close-knit of Black and POC Deaf Activists from the Deaf community and actors cast in Jade Bryan’s film, The Shattered Mind , (formerly known as The Double Life of Zhane Rain ), met up and campaigned in the streets. The movement ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Jade Bryan On the Challenges the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Face in Film | Tomorrow Will Be Televised

Simon introduces us to Jade Bryan, a  Filmmaker, and advocate for representation of the deaf and hard of hearing - particularly of color. Jade shares some challenges   she's faced in breaking into the industries, and recommendations she has for those in positions who might make new opportunities  available to these communities.
Post a Comment
Read more