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    Feature: KahaniSaaz

    Written by: Bilal Sohail
    Posted on: July 16, 2019 | | 中文

    Promo for Jahaz

    The art of expression knows no boundaries, whether it is race, religion or culture. Based on the principles of originality and progressive ideas, KahaniSaaz is a new experimental platform which aims to personify the art of storytelling.

    The emergence of short-length films can surely rescue our generation from the depths of despair and indecision when confronted by the following question: What should we watch today? This, however, is not the case with short films, which reduce many reservations that viewers might face when making that decision. But there is another question which haunts aspiring filmmakers and enthusiasts alike: how does one even engage in the process of positive criticism, when people have preconceived notions of what a good film should be.

    Baap Ki Hawa

    Baap Ki Hawa

    Artistic trends are swiftly evolving around the world, giving rise to the need to reevaluate viewers’ changing preferences through experimental content. KahaniSaaz’s process is driven by a sound vision, to create film content that is easier for viewers to understand. “In order to connect fully with the realities that surround us, we must embrace them first”, said Fatima Asad, the co-director of KahaniSaaz. She explained how over-dramatization should not be chosen over more nuanced depiction.

    “Artistic freedom is a luxury that not many can afford in today’s day and age,” said Naveed Akbar, the co-founder of KahaniSaaz along with Fatima Asad. Before this, Akbar conducted an acting workshop with a short course on filmmaking at Olomopolo Studios in Lahore, and KahaniSaaz was created through collaboration with some of his best students.

    Jahaaz

    Jahaaz

    Akbar highlighted the importance of promoting a thought-provoking and feel-good cinematic experience. When societal issues become the backbone of content creation, viewers can often experience depressive episodes, which can be detrimental in so many ways. “This endeavor requires a complete transformation of the existing pre-production processes to allow for more content diversity”, he said.

    This team is fully equipped to set new benchmarks of innovative short-film production. Fatima Asad’s creative ability, together with Assistant Director Laeeq Ahmed’s art direction, Production Manager Rehan Abid’s technical knowledge, and Affan ul Haq’s marketing skills.

    Behind the scenes

    Behind the scenes

    Team KahaniSaaz is promoting and refining contemporary raw talent using passionate actors, directors, and videographers. They aim to focus on quality content, without getting too bogged down by variables that can change in the future, like sets or time constraints. They do not let dated post-production/filming equipment hamper the production process. Instead, they have been gradually building upon their resource bundle for future projects.

    Their first ever short-film, Cake, not to be confused with the feature film released March 2018, is set to be released at the end of 2019. It will give viewers a real insight into their humble beginnings. “Cake was filmed using minimal resources and obsolete filming equipment. However, it’s scripting and storyline is something that the viewers will hopefully relish,” they explained.

    “The process of ideation is the most time-intensive process in KahaniSaaz’s entire film production cycle,” said Naveed Akbar. Dissatisfied with the prevailing formulaic entertainment industry, Team KahaniSaaz wishes to provide content that is relatable using philosophy and humor.

    KahaniSaaz location hunting

    KahaniSaaz location hunting

    Currently, the core team’s creative prowess is fully devoted to creating a total of seven short-films this year. Two of these films, named ‘Changezi Mohabbat’ and ‘O Bhains’ are already out on their YouTube Channel. ‘Changezi Mohabbat' delivers a melancholic representation of love with Ali Afzal Kamal’s dialogue writing and Naveed Akbar’s storytelling. ‘O Bhains' tells an astonishingly funny story about two men discussing life on a hot afternoon. Both films were directed by Asad, who is Naveed Akbar’s protégé.

    Their latest film, ‘Jahaaz’ is set to premiere on the 19th of July. Film enthusiasts should also look forward towards ‘Asmaan Kaa Batwara’ as well as other titles that are set to release later this year. “Aspiring new actors, directors, and videographers are always welcome to be part of our team, in order to nurture a shared learning environment,” said Fatima Asad.

    Asmaan Ka Batwaara

    Asmaan Ka Batwaara

    Every film produced by KahaniSaaz sees each member participating fully in multiple areas of the production process. Furthermore, this group of passionate individuals is quite open to contemporary ideas about film production, and is hopeful about their path to creative rediscovery and innovation in Pakistan.


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021