ZEE’s peace initiative continues its global reach, this time heading to Ontario, Canada where four of its films are scheduled to be screened at the Mosaic International South Asian Film Festival (MISAFF) 2016 on August 5th and 6th.
The Initiative aims to bring together nations in conflict through their creative thought leaders. In its first year, the initiative has brought together 12 film makers from India and Pakistan to come together for the very first time and to showcase their work on a single platform and facilitate an apolitical exchange environment to strive for peace and harmony.
The four films scheduled to be screened over 2 days are Aparna Sen’s ‘Saari Raat’ and Meenu Farjad’s ‘Jeevan Haathi’ (August 5) and Mehreen Jabbar’s ‘Lala Begum’ and Ketan Mehta’s ‘Toba Tek Singh (August 6).
The first set of films include Aparna Sen’s ‘Saari Raat’ based on Badal Sarkar’s story and stars Konkana Sen. The film has already been showcased at several International Film Festivals including the New York Indian International Film Festival and the London Indian International Film Festival amongst others. The 2nd film, Meenu Farjad’s ‘Jeevan Haathi’ is a satire on the media business and its manufactured reality which generates and creates conflict in society. This Pakistani film has a guest appearance by our very own Naseeruddin Shah.
The second set of films include critically acclaimed Pakistani film maker, Mehreen Jabbar’s film Lala Begum starring Marina Khan. The film tells the story of two sisters whose relationship can be a seen asa metaphor for the terse relationship between the two neighboring countries. Mehreen Jabbar and Marina Khan are also scheduled to participate in a discussion at the festival. The 2nd film, Ketan Mehta’s ‘Toba Tek Singh’ is based on the renowned author Manto’s story of the same name. The film was the closing film at the recently concluded London Indian Film Festival 2016.
These films are scheduled to be screened at Ontario’s Cineplex Mississauga on August 5 and 6.