Pak-Canadian movie ‘In Flames’ to have exclusive screening in Karachi

KARACHI: Renowned filmmaker Zarrar Kahn is set to unveil a sneak peek into his internationally acclaimed psychological thriller In Flames with the release of its teaser this Friday.

The much-anticipated movie is slated for an exclusive 10-day screening at the Atrium Mall in Karachi, captivating audiences from October 20 to October 31, 2023.

Directed and penned by the talented Pakistani filmmaker himself, In Flames delves into the repercussions of navigating a staunchly patriarchal society. The narrative aims to shed light on the psychological toll of oppression and the intricacies of youthful romance within the context of Pakistan.

The movie promises to immerse viewers in the gritty allure of Karachi, offering a glimpse into the challenging decisions required for survival. Centered around the tribulations faced by a mother and daughter following the abrupt demise of the patriarch, In Flames weaves a compelling tale that resonates emotionally, showcasing raw authenticity.

Earning global acclaim, the movie has been recognised at prestigious international film festivals, including the 76th Cannes Film Festival, the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, and the Busan International Film Festival.

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Originally conceived as a drama inspired by Kahn’s earlier short movies, Dia (2018, 24 minutes) and Pak (eight minutes), the movie evolved into a thrilling narrative, exploring themes of women’s rights and property rights relevant to contemporary Pakistan.

Kahn, currently based in Canada but hailing from Karachi, shared insights with Variety, stating, “The themes were becoming more relevant to what is happening in Pakistan at this time, around the conversation of women’s rights, property rights—a lot of these time optics are really in flux and in conflict right now, and those themes were also becoming more violent.”

For Kahn, In Flames serves as a crucial cinematic contribution to the global discourse on women’s rights, extending beyond Pakistan and South Asia. He expressed, “It’s happening all over the world right now—look at the US where rights are being rolled back. Look at Iran. It’s a global conversation. It definitely feels like the world is in flux in a lot of ways. My hope for the movie worldwide is, I hope we get reactions.”