LAHORE, The Shaikh Ahmad Hassan School of Law (SAHSOL) recently unveiled the ‘Film as Evidence’ series, offering attendees a unique perspective on the symbiotic relationship between cinema and the realm of law. Curated by renowned Pakistani writer and director, Mr. Farjad Nabi, the series aimed to highlight the profound interconnections between the personal narratives deeply entrenched in Pakistan and the broader political landscape.
According to Lahore University of Management Sciences, the series began with a screening of the film Zinda Bhaag, a poignant tale of three friends from Lahore and their aspirations to journey to foreign lands. A subsequent discussion on the film, led by Mr. Farjad Nabi and moderated by Mr. Muhammad Ali, dissected crucial topics such as local and global disparities, human trafficking, and the intricate task of representing the lives of the working class in cinema.
Adding to the uniqueness of the series, a creative writing workshop was organized, guided by Natasha Badhwar, an Indian independent filmmaker, author, and columnist. Dubbed “Wisdom of the Memoir,” this workshop encouraged participants to craft heartfelt essays, shedding light on the potency of personal stories and their role in promoting recovery, healing, and happiness.
Badhwar’s documentary, Pins and Needles, Laboring Bodies in The Gurgaon Garment Industry, shifted the focus to the incredible tenacity of women working in Mumbai’s garment industry. A post-screening dialogue between Dr. Sadaf Aziz, Dean of SAHSOL, and Badhwar delved deep into the production and themes of this compelling documentary.
Subsequent sessions presented films like B for Naoo and Barzakh, helmed by directors Roohi Kashfi and Moiz Tirmizi respectively, which tackled pertinent issues such as child education and women’s reproductive rights. These screenings were accompanied by enriching Q and A sessions featuring a panel of experts and Mr. Nabi, who emphasized the profound impact of the films on the viewers.
The series concluded with the screening of All That Breathes, a renowned documentary by Shaunak Sen that was nominated for an Academy Award and won top accolades at Cannes and Sundance Film Festival 2022. The film portrays the touching tale of two brothers in New Delhi, India, committed to rescuing injured black kites amidst the city’s challenges. This screening reaffirmed the series’ mission to present content that stimulates profound conversations on daily life nuances that often go unnoticed.
Reflecting on the series, Dr. Aziz stated, “The Film as Evidence series was conceived to showcase the myriad ways storytellers can illustrate the influence of law and regulation in our daily lives. I extend my gratitude to Farjad Nabi for his role in curating such a dynamic event, enriched further by discussions involving directors, writers, legal authorities, and the broader LUMS community. Natasha Badhwar’s workshop, to which she traveled to present, will remain etched in the memories of those fortunate enough to attend.”