Although the city is presently undergoing a tense state with regard to the law and order situation and the resultant operation cleanup, the softer side of Karachi is still in full swing with a storm of literary, commercial, social, fashion and showbiz activities and ceremonies.
One such vibrant function, in connection with the premiere of the documentary film titled ‘Ho Yaqeen’, produced by the Oscar winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, was recently held at a local club in Karachi.
The event was attended by a cross-section of society that included corporate executives, professionals, students, people from the arts and entertainment industry, and members of the Pakistani media.
The film is based on the power of belief or conviction that is the major force of positive change and success in the human world.
It is the first episode of a series of six films that Sharmeen, in collaboration with a leading beverage company, has planned to produce for inspirational Pakistanis.
This campaign projects the many reasons to believe in Pakistan, despite all the negativity that presently exists in the society.
Each of the six documentaries portrays a positive story relating to one individual from a different region of the country.
The first documentary is based on the story of Sabina Khatri, a woman of great courage who is working in the troubled, low-income area of Lyari.
Sabina has made it her life’s mission to impart education to the underprivileged children in her community, fighting against huge odds to do so.
It is really very encouraging as well as effective to screen such a film that revolves around the story a woman of Lyari when the area is being subjected to so many controversial and negative news, with regard to the police operation that was highly criticised as well as appreciated by different segments of the society.
Sharmeen said, “‘Ho Yaqeen’ brings forth astounding and remarkable stories from Kashmir to Karachi. Our characters are ordinary citizens who have achieved extraordinary feats through determined will and a desire to change their country.”
She hoped that their successes and struggles would resonate and inspire audiences, and would motivate people all over the country to follow their example.
The documentaries have been entirely developed by Sharmeen and her team, employing the creative genius that won her an Oscar for her documentary titled ‘Saving Face’ earlier this year.
Sharmeen firmly believes that when the message is clearly positive, people are encouraged to overcome their personal challenges and strive to spread positivity among others.
By highlighting inspirational people who are the uncelebrated heroes of our society, the message is clear that change is possible when people come together and strive to better their country.
Starting May 20, the documentaries would be telecast on multiple television channels. As the present era is, no doubt, an age of media, communication and information, I am hopeful that such media and entertainment vehicles for positive messages would definitely leave lasting imprints on the minds of everyone, and the dream of socio-political as well as economic reforms would be realised soon.
