Images

HUM Network is partnering with US production houses to bring Soniah Kamal’s novel Unmarriagable to life in Pakistan
Culture

HUM Network is partnering with US production houses to bring Soniah Kamal’s novel Unmarriagable to life in Pakistan

The project will be one of the few Western productions to be shot entirely in Pakistan.
Images Staff
27 Jul, 2024

HUM Network is joining hands with American production companies Traveling Picture Show Company (TPSC) and Rising Tides to bring Soniah Kamal’s bestselling novel Unmarriageable to life in Pakistan.

The news was first reported by Variety, who say the project will be one of the few Western productions to be shot entirely in Pakistan. In the recent past, Jemima Khan’s What’s Love Got To Do With It was set in Pakistan but filmed almost entirely out of the country. Even Ms Marvel’s scenes were shot in Thailand and America save for a few aerial shots and filler clips from Karachi.

Unmarriageable is a modern-day retelling of Pride and Prejudice and is set in Pakistan. It follows the story of Alys Binat and Mr Darsee and follows the trajectory of the original novel.

The script has been written by Sadia Ashraf, who will also co-direct alongside James McMillan. Principal photography is expected to begin early 2025 in Pakistan.

The production team includes Carissa Buffel and Luisa Iskin from TPSC, Sadia Ashraf and Shahla Khan from Rising Tides, with HUM Network’s Sultana Siddiqui and Badar Ikram serving as executive producers alongside Kamal.

“We, along with our great partners, are thrilled to bring this beloved story to the big screen and to showcase the beauty and complexity of Pakistani culture to English-language audiences around the world,” said TPSC’s Buffel.

Kamal added: “Unmarriageable deals with the intricacies of navigating relationships, identity, and happily-ever-afters — universal experiences shared by women explored through a unique lens.”

Ashraf said they want to challenge stereotypes about Pakistan by showing authentic cultural diversity on screen through comedy, fashion and colours set in a rich architectural heritage rarely offered to American audiences.

“We are excited to partner with Traveling Picture Show Company and Rising Tides on our first American film,” said Siddiqui. “The film will showcase the vibrant lifestyle of Pakistani women, while also furthering HUM Network’s mission of sharing empowering female stories with a brand-new audience.”

“HUM network has always taken the lead in taking Pakistani culture to new territories. Partnering with Unmarriagable film production is also part of this conviction. We shall continue to take our stories to the global audiences,” said Duraid Qureshi, the CEO of HUM Network.

Comments

Iqbal Jul 27, 2024 01:57pm
As long as the story and project do not hit our religious and cultural values and traditions, any project like this will be welcomed. We cannot compromise our way of life in the name of modernity/ westernisation, which is creeping in slowly and gradually in our society, unfortunately.
Recommend
Jamil Soomro Jul 27, 2024 06:17pm
The project sounds quite encouraging and positive for uplifting of women at last. I hope Adnan Siddiqui, Sahil Adeem and Khalilur Rehman Qamar will watch this on their new TV sets.?
Recommend
Ehsan Jul 27, 2024 06:40pm
Way to go, more successes to come. Never pay heed to the naysayers
Recommend
Taj Ahmad Jul 27, 2024 07:36pm
Great idea, let’s try in Pakistan, good luck Hum.
Recommend
Anees Jul 27, 2024 07:54pm
It's just another attempt to show poor condition of Pakistanis. Showing story in Pakistani background means nothing more!!
Recommend
Rehana Bounse Jul 28, 2024 08:46am
What does modernity & westernization mean in your comment?
Recommend
Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Jul 28, 2024 04:43pm
Bring it on.
Recommend
Nabeela Gul Jul 28, 2024 09:16pm
As "Unmarriageable" by Soniah Kamal transcends the realm of literature, its beauty and significance unfurl like a blooming flower, captivating the attention of academic researchers and industry visionaries alike. In the hallowed halls of academia, this novel becomes a canvas for scholarly exploration, a rich tapestry woven with threads of postcolonial theory, comparative literature, and gender studies. Researchers delve into its depths, unraveling the intricate patterns of cultural identity, societal norms, and personal freedom. As it enters the industry sphere, "Unmarriageable" blossoms into a versatile and vibrant entity, its essence infusing various creative fields: - In publishing, it inspires a new wave of diverse voices and innovative adaptations, like a masterful painter adding fresh hues to a timeless masterpiece. - On the silver screen, its story comes alive, a cinematic tapestry of love, family, and self-discovery, captivating audiences worldwide. - In cultural consulting, its nuanced understanding of Pakistani culture and society serves as a beacon, illuminating the path for industry professionals navigating the complexities of global narratives. Thus, "Unmarriageable" becomes a radiant bridge, connecting the realms of academia and industry, its beauty and significance forever etched in the landscape of human experience.
Recommend
S Asif Jul 29, 2024 12:42pm
Do you personally know any of the people involved, their backhround and motives? Sick of the negative mindset of a drowning nation.
Recommend
Laila Jul 29, 2024 05:25pm
@HA. @IQBAL As for not hitting our "religious and cultural values and traditions", culture and religion are not the same. Culture is manmade and subject to inevitable change due to exposure and time. Religion is divine and can't be changed. Cultural exchange/change happen all the time. It has to otherwise a society will not be develop or prosper. Afterall, what was acceptable in Pakistan just 20 years ago is not necessarily acceptable today. So values and traditions change, some are discarded and some new ones are adapted. I can think of many things our culture disapproves of and even implicitly forbids but our religion allows and speaks of openly. So censorship is not always the solution. Balance is needed. Nobody is forced to watch anything. It's amazing we show violence against women on our screens, but shy away from talk about pregnancy, diseases, intimacy, women's islamic rights, mens islamic duties etc. I don't know what you mean by "westernisation and modernity" because both are not synonyms and also the premise of West and East is flawed. What about the other 2 corners of the world? South and North? We have enough issues in the East, persecution of minorities and females, nationwide child abuse even and especially in (so-called religious) madrassas, rampant misogyny, vulgarities like stage shows, mujras shows for men, forced prostitution, child labor, nepotism etc.
Recommend
Laila Jul 30, 2024 01:25am
@ANEES You didn't read the article, did you? Half way through it clearly says that 'Unmarriagable' is about "the intricacies of navigating relationships, identity and happily-ever-afters" and "universal experiences shared by women". How did you get "just another attempt to show poor conditions of Pakistanis" from that? Seriously?
Recommend

Read This Next

Latest

Most Popular