“In Flames” receives PASC nod for Oscar Nomination
The Pakistani Academy Selection Committee (PASC) recently convened to make a significant decision regarding Pakistan’s official submission for consideration at the Oscars. After much deliberation and careful consideration’ they have chosen ‘In Flames’’ a horror film directed by Zarrar Kahn and produced by Anam Abbas’ as Pakistan’s official entry for the prestigious international film award.
Zarrar Kahn’s ‘In Flames’ made its mark earlier this year when it premiered at the Cannes Directors’ Fortnight. The storyline of this compelling film unfolds in the bustling city of Karachi’ where life takes a chilling and unexpected turn for a mother and her daughter following the death of their family’s head. Their existence becomes disrupted by both tangible and spectral entities from their past’ and their bond becomes their sole refuge against the dark and ominous forces that loom over them.
The movie boasts Anam Abbas as its producer’ with Shant Joshi’ Todd Brown’ and Maxime Cottray serving as executive producers. The film is part of XYZ’s New Visions lineup’ and it’s worth noting that XYZ joined the project the previous year’ as reported by Variety.
Chairperson of the PASC’ Mohammed Ali Naqvi’ expressed his enthusiasm about submitting ‘In Flames’ as Pakistan’s official entry in the International Feature category at the 96th Academy Awards. He emphasized the film’s brilliance and its significance in the evolving narrative of Pakistani cinema’ stating’ “‘In Flames’ is a testament to the boundless potential of Pakistani cinema on the global stage.”
Director Zarrar Kahn also expressed his gratitude to the Oscar committee in Pakistan for recognizing the film’s significance. He revealed that the film is currently being self-distributed in Pakistan due to its perceived controversial nature’ even after receiving clearance from the local censor board. Nevertheless’ the response from Pakistani audiences has been overwhelmingly positive’ and the filmmakers are proud to showcase the film in the very city where it was created.
‘In Flames’ has not only been well-received in its home country but has also garnered acclaim and attention at various international film festivals’ including Cannes’ TIFF’ Sitges’ Busan’ and Red Sea. The film carries a powerful message’ serving as an urgent call to action by exposing the brutality of patriarchy and highlighting the strength of community. In a world marked by division’ it offers hope to the oppressed and reminds them that the flame of hope can never be extinguished.
The decision to submit ‘In Flames’ as Pakistan’s official entry for the Oscars was made by a distinguished panel of jury members’ including acclaimed actor Ahmed Ali Akbar’ award-winning director Bilal Lashari’ activist and author Fatima Bhutto’ international award-winning actor Fawad Khan’ event manager and activist Frieha Altaf’ co-founder of the Documentary Association of Pakistan Haya Fatima Iqbal’ award-winning documentary filmmaker Madeeha Syed’ critically acclaimed director Mehreen Jabbar’ veteran actor and director Nadia Afgan’ and director Saim Sadiq’ who directed Pakistan’s previous Oscar submission’ ‘Joyland.’
‘In Flames’ is currently being screened in cinemas across Pakistan’ and it continues to make waves both domestically and on the international stage’ solidifying its place in the realm of compelling cinema.
Conclusion
The selection of ‘In Flames’ as Pakistan’s official entry for the Oscars is a testament to the evolving narrative of Pakistani cinema on the global stage. The film’ directed by Zarrar Kahn and produced by Anam Abbas’ not only stands as a symbol of the country’s creative potential but also addresses important social issues’ making it a powerful and relevant candidate for the international feature Oscar.
With its haunting storyline set in Karachi’ ‘In Flames’ delves into the complexities of family and the supernatural’ weaving a narrative that is both captivating and thought-provoking. The film’s journey’ from its premiere at the Cannes Directors’ Fortnight to its screenings at various international film festivals’ showcases its ability to resonate with diverse audiences and earn critical acclaim.
The commitment of the filmmakers’ who are self-distributing the film in Pakistan’ despite its controversial nature’ reflects their dedication to sharing this impactful story with the world. Moreover’ the unwavering support of the Pakistani Academy Selection Committee and the film’s recognition by audiences are indicators of its significance in the cinematic landscape.
‘In Flames’ not only entertains but also serves as a call to action’ shedding light on issues like patriarchy and the strength of community. In a world marked by divisions and challenges’ it sends a powerful message of hope’ reminding us that the flame of resilience and change can never be extinguished.
As the film continues to captivate audiences in Pakistan and beyond’ it has the potential to represent the country on the grand stage of the Oscars’ bringing the unique voice of Pakistani cinema to a global audience and furthering its impact and reach.
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