The 15th Karachi Literature Festival (KLF) kicked off this year at the Beach Luxury Hotel in Karachi from February 16 to 18.
During the third and last day of Karachi Literature Festival (KLF), there was an interesting panel discussion that caught our attention titled “Film: The Power Of Storytelling”. Saba Karim Khan was in charge as moderator, and the panelists included Sanam Saeed, Mohib Mirza, Faryal Mehmood, Bee Gul, and Abid Aziz Merchant. The session was all about movies and the impact of storytelling.
Abid Aziz Merchant Shared His Experience
In the midst of celebrating a shift towards more serious film genres, Abid Aziz Merchant shared his personal experience with the acclaimed film “I’ll Meet You There,” a Grand Jury Award nominee at the 2020 South by Southwest. Despite the film’s intention to challenge stereotypes about Muslims, it faced a ban in Pakistan due to a misunderstanding by the censor boards. Merchant emphasized the film’s purpose of dispelling misconceptions about Muslims in the West, refuting the notion of portraying them as terrorists. Despite his efforts to secure approval, Merchant faced obstacles and called for a more open-minded and liberal perspective from the censor board, revealing the challenges encountered in bringing meaningful stories to the audience.
Bee Gul’s Take on Genuine Storytelling
Bee Gul commenced her conversation in a traditional and respectful manner, greeting everyone with “Adaab.” As she immersed herself in the discussion about storytelling, Bee Gul provided insights into her perspective on what constitutes a compelling narrative. To her, genuine storytelling is a process of writing what one observes without the need to alter for the sake of impressing or highlight the darker aspects merely for effect. According to Bee Gul, the essence of storytelling lies in the authentic portrayal of everything, emphasizing the importance of honesty in the narrative. She concluded by affirming that, in her view, a truly good story is one that remains rooted in honesty.
Mohib Mirza’s POV
Mohib Mirza warmly shared how his father, whom he considers a real hero, played a crucial role in guiding him. From the intricate details of his dressing in dramas to his overall acting, Mirza’s father served as a true mentor. Emphasizing the significance of staying “in beat,” Mirza discussed the importance of actors, especially newcomers, avoiding going off-beat. According to him, this alignment is key to shaping the storytelling process in the world of acting. Mirza’s reflections shed light on the valuable guidance he received and the importance of maintaining a rhythmic approach in the art of storytelling.
Sanam Saeed Calls For Cinema Support
Sanam Saeed highlighted the importance of people going to cinemas to watch Pakistani movies, emphasizing that it’s a time for more than just entertainment and wedding scenes. She mentioned films like Wakhri, Taxali Gate, Nayab, and Chikkar, illustrating the shift from pure entertainment to meaningful storytelling. According to Sanam, Pakistani cinema is evolving, moving away from fantasy to portraying real stories from everyday life. She encouraged support for Pakistani cinema and its diverse topics, showcasing various facets of life on screen. She concluded with a powerful statement: “No story lives unless someone wants to hear it”, stressing upon the abundance of storytellers presenting numerous tales, with the essential need for people to listen and engage with these narratives.
Faryal Mehmood & Her Views
Faryal Mehmood stressed upon the need for Pakistani audience to watch stories created for Pakistanis to resonate, as many narratives with a “SACH” often face bans within Pakistan. She shared her disappointment regarding the limited viewership of her recent movie “Wakhri,” which was intended as a tribute to Qandeel Baloch. She expressed sadness over the fact that the film didn’t attract a substantial local audience. She highlighted the challenge of censorship in Pakistan, where movies with honest portrayals often face restrictions.
Bee Gul added to the conversation, expressing her disappointment with some of her web series being banned in Pakistan. She clarified that these stories were created for Pakistanis, not international viewers. Bee Gul highlighted the challenge of local stories facing bans, limiting access for the very audience they were made for.
The discussion focused on why storytellers should create stories that have a strong impact rather than just being entertaining. They also talked about how actors play a crucial role in making stories connect with the audience. Additionally, the session touched upon the common issue of many Pakistani movies facing challenges with bans.
