Mara Pictures, a boutique theatrical distribution company focused on independent cinema, is releasing the film Ramchand Pakistani in cinemas across the United Kingdom in July 2009.
Ramchand Pakistani is a rare and unique film from Pakistan, even more so during this current time of high tensions and regional conflict, and is the feature film debut by female filmmaker Mehreen Jabbar. “It is very exciting to bring Ramchand Pakistani to the British audience and show independent Pakistani cinema to the world,” says Mehreen Jabbar. This film has been a big labour of love for all of us and we look forward to the response in the UK.”
The film is derived from a true story concerning the accidental crossing of the Pakistan-Indian border by a father and son and the extraordinary consequences of this unintended action. This is a story of one boy’s coming of age in a hostile environment and how he discovers humanity and hope even in the most difficult of circumstances.
The film stars Indian film actress Nandita Das and Pakistani actors Rashid Farooqui and Syed Fazal Hussain. The music is by Debajyoti Mishra from India and the highly acclaimed Shuhba Mudgal and Shafat Amanat Ali from India and Pakistan respectively. While the film was conceived and produced entirely in Pakistan, it also represents a path-breaking example of creative co-operation between independent artistic talent between both India and Pakistan and their respective Governments.
Ramchand Pakistani has received worldwide acclaim at international film festivals including Honorable Mention at the London Film Festival 2008, the International Critics Prize from the International Federation of Film Critics 2008 and most recently the Fribourg International Film Festival. “The fact that the film won the People’s Choice Award in an European city like Fribourg, Switzerland during its March 2009 Film Festival symbolizes the strong universal appeal of Ramchand Pakistani to audiences around the world, ” says the film’s Producer Javed Jabbar.
“A UK theatrical release of Ramchand Pakistani is a milestone for both Pakistani and global independent cinema,” states Roopa Saini, Head of Acquisitions for Mara Pictures. “The film shifts the focus towards the creative efforts that are emerging out of South Asia amidst the current political climate. This is the first of many exciting releases for Mara Pictures.”
Below are some beautiful stills.
