Divvy Film Festival 2024: Celebrating South Asian Cinema in Islamabad

Islamabad recently witnessed the vibrant world of South Asian cinema at the Divvy Film Festival 2024, hosted by Foundation Art Divvy in collaboration with the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA). Held over two evenings on November 21 and 22, the event showcased a carefully curated selection of 19 independent films that captivated audiences with their thought-provoking narratives and diverse genres.

Marking its fourth year in Pakistan, the Divvy Film Festival has become a platform for storytelling that explores resilience, heritage, women empowerment, and self-expression. This year’s festival also followed  its successful debut at London’s ICA earlier in 2024 and the Lahore edition titled Ecologies & Indigenous Traditions. In Islamabad, the festival continued to shine, bringing films from both acclaimed directors and emerging talent to the forefront.

A Thoughtful and Immersive Lineup

The 2024 lineup featured an eclectic mix of fiction features, short films, and documentaries. From nostalgic tales of old cinema to gripping crime thrillers, the films spanned genres and themes designed to leave a lasting impression.

Among the standout films was "CIN-E-RAMA" by Misrah Fatima Nizami, a heartfelt ode to Karachi’s historic cinemas, and "In Flames" by Zarrar Khan, a Cannes-premiering feature about survival in the face of real and supernatural threats. Other highlights included "JUJJI", a gritty crime thriller set in Rawalpindi by director Habib Shahzad, and "A Clay Horse", which delved into the journey of an Afghan refugee navigating trauma and resilience.

A special mention goes to "Marblous Four" by Hamza Baig, a whimsical and visually stunning story about an outcast named Guddo, who must rally three children to save their village through the magical game of five stones. The film, infused with charm and fantasy, showcased Baig’s mastery of storytelling and highlighted the potential of young filmmakers to merge traditional themes with modern cinematic techniques.

Bringing Cinema to Life

Creative Director Zahra Khan of Foundation Art Divvy shared her enthusiasm for the event, saying, "Partnering with PNCA again this year was a privilege. We were thrilled to present such stellar films that celebrate our shared histories and unique stories." This dedication to storytelling shone through in the selection of films, each one designed to engage and inspire.

The festival not only brought cinematic art to life but also created a platform for filmmakers to connect with audiences. The carefully curated schedule allowed viewers to experience the creativity of both seasoned directors and emerging talent, making the festival a truly inclusive event.

The Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) has always played a crucial role in fostering artistic expression in Pakistan. By partnering with events like the Divvy Film Festival, PNCA reaffirms its commitment to making the arts accessible while nurturing local talent and preserving the country's cultural heritage.

Films Lineup

This year’s festival featured an impressive array of 19 independent films, each bringing a unique perspective and narrative to the screen. From nostalgic tales to gripping dramas, here is the full lineup that captivated audiences:

1. CIN-E-RAMA
   Director: Misrah Fatima Nizami
   Synopsis: A film critic documents the final screening of Karachi's historic cinema, CINERAMA, uncovering enchanting stories that challenge his biases and rekindle his love for cinema.

2. The Trunk
   Director: Fahad Shaikh
   Synopsis: In a remote town, a feudal lord’s loyal servant suspects his master’s wife of hiding a secret inside a trunk.

3. The Clown
   Director: Kamil Chima
   Synopsis: A clown dances on Lahore's streets to escape his reality, until a harsh truth threatens to unravel his disguise.

4. Karachi Begums
   Directors: Amatullah Rahat Saeed and Aqsa Abdul Qadir
   Synopsis: A safe haven for women in the heart of Karachi offers hope and unity in a challenging urban landscape.

5. Impatientes
   Director: Quentin Delcourt
   Synopsis: Three women in a psychiatric hospital find friendship and strength in their shared journey of healing.

6. The Send Off
   Director: Amina Imran
   Synopsis: An estranged daughter returns home to face her ailing father and unresolved familial tensions.

7. Araaf – The Purgatory
   Director: Habib Shahzad
   Synopsis: A former clown wakes up in a sinister place, uncovering a reality darker than he imagined.

8. From Rocks to Gold, Doch – The Art of Balochistan
   Director: Zainab Younas
   Synopsis: A journey into Balochistan’s cultural revival through the eyes of a visionary leader empowering women.

9. In Flames
   Director: Zarrar Kahn
   Synopsis: A mother and daughter face supernatural threats and societal challenges in modern-day Karachi.

10. Raaz O Niaz
    Director: Ali Aabid
    Synopsis: A spirited woman races against time to confront her doubts before her wedding in this romantic comedy.

11. What Will You Take With You
    Director: Adil Sher
    Synopsis: A self-absorbed father and his wife confront their failures as parents after a tragic event.

12. Lost Time
    Directors: Aleena Nabeel Mir, Sara Taj, and Tabinda Mustersad
    Synopsis: A caretaker helps an Alzheimer’s patient retrieve a sentimental item, learning about loss and memory.

13. Akhri Saaz
    Director: Sarmad Sabir Khan
    Synopsis: A poignant documentary about the fading art of Sarangi and the struggles of its remaining players.

14. Out Beyond
    Director: Salman Alam Khan
    Synopsis: A teenager secretly pursues his passion for drumming, defying familial expectations.

15. A Distant Traveler
    Directors: Nayentara Abul Fazal and Mona Abdollahshahi
    Synopsis: A young rhino migrates to a foreign city, searching for belonging and connection in an unfamiliar world.

16. One Step Too Many
    Director: Mehroz Amin
    Synopsis: Two individuals with disabilities form an unlikely bond through their shared love for music and motivational speaking.

17. The Marbleous Four
    Director: Hamza Baig
    Synopsis: Guddo rallies three children to play a magical game of five stones and save their village from a malevolent wizard.

18. A Clay Horse
    Director: Abdullah Khan
    Synopsis: A 12-year-old Afghan refugee journeys to Karachi, navigating trauma and seeking a voice in a noisy world.

19. JUJJI
    Director: Habib Shahzad
    Synopsis: A gritty crime thriller following two police officers on a hunt for a ruthless serial killer in Rawalpindi.

This diverse and captivating lineup offered festival-goers a profound exploration of resilience, culture, and storytelling, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.

As the festival concluded, it left behind a legacy of collaboration and storytelling, further cementing its role as a vital platform for South Asian filmmakers to share their work with the world. This fourth edition in Pakistan added another successful chapter to the Divvy Film Festival's growing narrative.