Images

Updated 18 Sep, 2017

The Pakistani Academy Selection Committee has selected Saawan as the country's submission to the 'Foreign Language Film Award’ category at the 90th Academy Awards.

Saawan is a drama film based on the true story of a nine-year-old boy suffering from polio in a Balochistan valley. Shunned by most of society including his father, the boy undertakes a dangerous journey back home to his family in the main city.

Saawan poster
Saawan poster

Directed by Farhan Alam and written and produced by Mashood Qadri, the film stars Saleem Mairaj, Syed Karam Hussain, Arif Bahalim, Najiba Faiz and Imran Aslam in lead roles.

Producer Mashood Qadri shares about his film, "Saawan carries a message of hope. The story is based on "Voyage for Survival". Mind is mightier than might is a lesson for those who consider disability a liability. It will be an inspiration to such children to become a valuable asset to the society. Saawan promotes understanding and remove misconceptions surrounding polio vaccination that may facilitate polio eradication in Pakistan. Other sensitive topics explored in Saawan are water crisis, child trafficking and the bravery of women.”

Speaking about the film, Hum Films' Momina Duraid shared, "Saawan had the power to speak to me, to touch my heart, make me care and believe in possibilities again."

The film stars Saleem Mairaj (centre) in a lead role and Tipu Sharif (left) in a supporting role
The film stars Saleem Mairaj (centre) in a lead role and Tipu Sharif (left) in a supporting role

The film won 'Best Foreign Language Feature Film' award at the Madrid International Film Festival 2017 and the ‘Best Film’ and ‘Best Soundtrack Award’ at Salento International Film Festival in Italy earlier this month.

About Saawan's selection for the Oscars, Mandviwalla Entertainment's Nadeem Mandviwalla said, “This year we have seen some really good cinematic features and I am pleased that we are sending [for the Academy Awards' consideration] a film which highlights some grave issues splendidly put into a feature film."

Saawan is an attempt to raise awareness and help Pakistan's polio eradication efforts
Saawan is an attempt to raise awareness and help Pakistan's polio eradication efforts

The Pakistani Academy Selection Committee was chaired by two-time Academy Award and Emmy winning documentary filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and includes Jerjees Seja [CEO ARY Digital Network], Nadeem Mandviwalla [Managing Director Mandviwalla Entertainment], Asim Raza [Film and Television Commercial Director and Producer], Momina Duraid [Director and Producer Hum Films], Talat Hussain [Radio, Film, Television and Stage Actor], Sakina Samo [Actress, Producer and Director], Rizwan Beyg [Fashion Designer], Mohammad Hanif [Author and Journalist] and Ali Hamza [Singer, Song-writer and founding member of Noori].

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will announce the final list of Oscar nominees on January 23, 2018. The 90th Academy Awards are scheduled to take place on March 4, 2018.

Comments

ga Sep 17, 2017 09:35am
Movies like these will definitely bring an Oscar. Pakistan aready has an image problem so the Oscar win would hardly improve it. But the story has to be told. It is us who have to remove these ills from our society.
Recommend
Syed irfan ali Sep 17, 2017 10:09am
The best thing to know in this news item is that the cream of Pakistan's creative industry is in the Selection Committee. Their selection would be the best among the lot. All the best to Saawan.
Recommend
Ali Sep 17, 2017 10:43am
Awesome job!
Recommend
Sam Bhattacharya Sep 17, 2017 10:59am
Children themed films are gold mine... regards.
Recommend
Hiram Sep 17, 2017 11:24am
Despite the extremely minor technical issues that Asim Raza talks about, "Saawan" is a beautifully made film. When I saw it, I was floored by how well crafted the story is and how the writer managed to weave together this incredible human drama. The direction and the cinematography are all top notch and the performances were very strong. I am so happy that Pakistanis are finally making films like this without fear. This movie comes from a country where you can be killed for having a different opinion or idea about something, so in my eyes, the people who made this film are very brave. It's a must-watch!!!
Recommend
N abidi Sep 17, 2017 11:51am
When there be true leader come forward,and stop the spread of this preventable disease, it is heart breaking to read about this story! You do have the power as humans to stop this disease,only thing is needed is the will of the people!
Recommend
Asma Sep 17, 2017 12:43pm
Excellent selection by our oscar committee Saawan is a must see film. Based on realism. Excellent script, beautiful cinematography, acting is natural and out class by each character. Direction is phenomenal, sound tracks are very touching And articulated well within the Story . I am sure this film will bring oscar under the category of foreign film to Pakistan. Asma
Recommend
Asma Sep 17, 2017 12:43pm
Excellent selection by our oscar committee Saawan is a must see film. Based on realism. Excellent script, beautiful cinematography, acting is natural and out class by each character. Direction is phenomenal, sound tracks are very touching And articulated well within the Story . I am sure this film will bring oscar under the category of foreign film to Pakistan. Asma
Recommend
Zain Hasan Sep 17, 2017 01:09pm
Good choice. Best of luck folks.
Recommend
Feroze Danish Sep 17, 2017 01:10pm
Good Luck !
Recommend
Jm Sep 17, 2017 04:00pm
Watched it last night. Saawan is a well made movie. Carries a focused message to get rid of Polio.
Recommend
w.shaikh Sep 17, 2017 09:12pm
@Hiram You articulated your point of view very well.
Recommend
Jonathan Menezes Sep 18, 2017 11:17pm
One of the biggest problems Pakistan has its marketing its own image whether its film, education or tourism. Pakistan has a plethora of talent in various fields but the Government with its Embassies in various key countries does nothing at promotion. Now with social media if Pakistan was presented people from abroad could view the potential of investing in different area. Like this film Sawaan no pre media promo and very limited media hype. Come on Pakistan you can do better than that!
Recommend
Kamran Sep 19, 2017 09:10am
Great movie a must watch. Sure it will win Oscar
Recommend