Dear Goanetters, Pakistan's has entered a rather daring film in the IFFI. I do not know the exact date of its screening and will be happy to get your feedback. Naseeruddin Shah of India also plays an interesting role. This film was made by the now banned Geo Television group.
Some groups approach the Sindh High Court for a stay order but the case was thrown out. It was the first film after decades to draw 'house full' crowds to the about 15 cinemas it opened in country-wide. It was after a long time that families were seen out in full strength The film is about a conflict of the interpretations of Islam between modern enlightened Muslims and their conservative counterparts. When it was to be released in a Pakistan a few months ago all hell broke loose with the Mullah issuing Fatwas right and left condemning the producers/actors/viewers to all sorts of threats from death to burning in the deepest of hell fires. In Karachi, where I live, it opened at the Capri Cinema. Because of the threats all roads leading to the Cinema had to be blocked by the Police and Rangers ( a para-military force). The cinema itself was surrounded by layers of security and the bomb-detection squad has swept the cinema before the premiere. Mental-detecting walk through-gates were installed and a large number of bearded demonstrators were kept at bay about 500 meters away by a large police-force. The Cinema posters were covered and all the art-work removed from the public eye. Demonstrations by the Mullahs raged all over the country for weeks before and after the screening. But the government was determined that the film WILL be open to eager crowds and went to great lengths to ensure this. At the end of the day, the film opened, was well received with rave reviews and has since been released in the international circuit. I trust all who see this film in Goa will walk away with something to mull about. Michael Ali Karachi, Pakistan .
