Song of Lahore, a documentary by Oscar winning filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and Andy Schocken on the acclaimed Sachal Studios and their journey across the world, is all set for its Pakistan premiere at ARY Film Festival 2017 today, i.e. May 4th 2017 at Cinepax, Ocean Mall in Karachi.
The award winning documentary focuses on the music community of Lahore, which until the late 1970s, was world-renowned for its music and talent. In 2004, Izzat Majeed founded Sachal Studios to create a space for traditional music in a nation that had rejected its musical roots. “Song of Lahore” turns the spotlight on Sachal Studios and charters the ensemble’s journey to reclaim and reinvigorate an art that has lost its space in Pakistan’s narrowing cultural sphere. “Song of Lahore” has previously headlined various international film festivals across the globe as the official selection, such as Heartland Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival, IDFA Film Festival, Sydney Film Festival, Hamptons Film Festival and Melbourne Film Festival to name a few along with multiple screenings across the US hosted by legendary Academy Award winning Actress Meryl Streep. In 2016, the documentary won the Audience Choice Award at the prestigious London Indian Film Festival 2016, Europe’s largest South Asian Film Festival.
“Song of Lahore tells a different kind of story about Pakistan — a story about its people, not its politics; and how music has the ability to bring people together across cultural divides. I am delighted to screen this film which has won numerous audience awards around the world right here at home.” said Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy.
The ARY Film Festival is a celebration of the world of film and aims to provide a vital platform for film making enthusiasts to come together and celebrate their passion for the art form. Screening of selected entries will begin from the 4th of May and will continue till the 6th of May at Cinepax, Ocean Mall, Karachi. Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy is also part of the official jury for the festival along with leading personalities such as Anwar Maqsood, Jack McDonald, Maryln Agrelo and Ram Kishore Parcha.
