`Chauraha´ and `Kisna´screened at KaraFilm

DEC 4: The second day of the 5th KaraFilm Festival being held in Karachi was a nice mix of foreign documentaries, animations, and feature films, screened somewhat simultaneously at the PIIA and Alliance Francaise.

Besides the screening of French animated feature Le Chien Le General et Les Oiseaux (The Dog, the General and the Birds), was a documentary Work in Progress: At the World Social Forum 2004 - a 59-minute film from India that comprised impressions from the worldwide movement for economic, political and cultural justice and a travelogue of ideas for change.

The other Indian show of the day was Kisna, a Subhash Ghai movie. The film starred Vivik Oberoi, Antoni Berneth, Amrish Puri, Om Puri, and Sushmita Sen.

Ghai is a celebrated Indian film-maker who has introduced stars like Madhuri Dixit, Meenakshi, Manisha Koirala and Mahima Chaudhry to Bollywood.

His film Kisna's story line involves Katherine Beckett is the daughter of a ruthless British collector in 1930, who befriends a native boy named Kisna. Friendship blossoms into a deeper relationship. Meanwhile, abhorred by the community for his many atrocities, Mr. Beckett faces the wrath of the locals. Kisna must choose.

The much awaited Pakistani feature Chauraha, in Urdu was also shown during prime time. It's a 75-minute film starring Rashid Farooqui and Warsi with three other talented youth.

Written and directed by emerging moviemaker Shakeel Mallick, the story revolved round four friends, who gather at an intersection in Karachi every night and discuss their flair for the little criminal indulgences they manage during the day.

Subhash Ghai

The film is set in the mid 1980’s and discusses how the socio-political situation of that period was reflected in the attitude that the youth of that era had towards life.

The film also hints at the evil of gang wars prevalent in the underprivileged neighborhoods and the way it was instilled as the sole aim of life for the youth. Although, the film had some weaknesses in its script and storyline, it included excellent camerawork through its course.

The creator however reportedly refused to appear during the retrospective session, to the utter disappointment of the audience - a rare incident of its nature as commented by KaraFilm organizers.

Another Indian entry was a Bengali-English 60 minutes documentary titled City of Photos. It's an unconventional look at the psyche of a people. Not everyone enjoys being photographed; not every backdrop is beautiful; not all photos are taken on happy occasions, says the official description.

The opening ceremony of the fifth KaraFilm Festival was held on the lawns of the Mohatta Palace Museum on Thursday Dec 1, with local and international film-makers and stars in large attendance.

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