Renowned filmmakers from Pakistan and India have come forward to promote harmony between the two countries by showcasing their work on a single platform.
The Zee TV initiative ‘Zeal for Unity’ aims to foster peace through hour-long shorts which will connect the countries through a common theme,reports Mumbai Mirror.
Ace Pakistani filmmaker Mehreen Jabbar among other prominent directors, including Oscar winner Sabiha Sumar, Khalid Ahmad, Shahbaz Sumar, Siraj Ul Haq and Meenu Farjad, will be a part of the project.
From the other side, Bollywood bigwigs, including Nikhil Advani, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Bejoy Nambiar, Tanuja Chandra, Aparna Sen and Ketan Mehta will be presenting their works at the event.
Among the short films to be be showcased is Ketan’s Toba Tek Singh, a satire penned by famous Urdu writer Saddat Hasan Manto.
“There will be events in both countries to promote our work which gives us a wider audience. I’m looking forward to this cultural exchange,” the Manjhi: The Mountain director told Mumbai Mirror.
Wazir director Bejoy also said, “It’s a great idea and I’m waiting for reactions to my film, Doobara, from both countries. I’m looking forward to making friends in Pakistan.”
Pakistani director Shahbaz, who will showcase his short film titledKhaeme Mein Matt Jhankain, shared his excitement saying, “It’s a rare opportunity. It should be interesting if people fail to tell which film is from India and which from Pakistan.”
Bullet Raja director Tigmanshu will be showcasing his short film titled Baarish Aur Chowmein. It has been shot over eight days across Mumbai and stars Bollywood actor Taapsee Pannu as a back-up dancer alongside Vidyut Jamwal in a cameo appearance.
“For me the Partition was one of the biggest tragedies of the millennium, the endeavour is our way of making people realise that we are still one,” he said.
