The highly acclaimed Pakistani short film ‘Noor’ made its much-awaited debut in Karachi after winning the Best Health Film award in the online edition category at the Cannes World Film Festival. The screening took place at the Indus Valley School of Arts, attracting a large audience eager to watch the film. Actor and director Umar Adil, the mastermind behind ‘Noor,’ was also present at the screening, adding to the excitement of the event.
Challenging societal norms ‘Noor’ revolves around the life of an eight-year-old girl who faces the stigma associated with wearing glasses. The film sheds light on how society often mistreats individuals with vision problems and emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding. Through its engaging subject matter, the film captivates the audience, despite the absence of music, action sequences, or comedy. The screenplay, penned by Farah Usman, successfully holds the viewers’ attention throughout, with no dull moments.
A departure from conventional storytelling
In a conversation with Geo Digital, Farah Usman, the writer of ‘Noor,’ discussed the script’s development. She revealed that the initial draft featured an eight-year-old girl as the main character but lacked the emotional depth of a father-daughter relationship. Upon revisiting and rewriting the script, the story became more compelling and powerful. Usman expressed her surprise at the film’s journey from a simple plot to winning the Best Health Film award at Cannes 2023. She also expressed her desire to continue creating unique narratives, distinct from the typical saas-bahu dramas, if given the opportunity.
The journey to Cannes
Bringing ‘Noor’ to fruition was no easy feat for filmmaker Umar Adil. Although the film only took two to three months to complete, the path to Cannes was filled with challenges. Adil shared that he had been working in the health and development sectors for the past decade when Sight Savers and White Rice approached him with the concept. While they initially briefed him about the idea, Adil and Farah Usman decided to create a short film to reach a broader audience and convey the message effectively. Adil admitted that he did not anticipate the film’s journey to Cannes but was fortunate that the online edition category was introduced, leading to their well-deserved recognition.
Struggles and successes
Working with child actors presented its own set of challenges, but Umar Adil found the experience to be rewarding. Prior to ‘Noor,’ Adil had made his directorial debut with ‘Chale Thaye Saath’ in 2017, which didn’t achieve the desired success. However, the 17-minute ‘Noor’ has opened doors to success and new opportunities for him. Adil’s determination and resilience have paid off, proving that failure is often a stepping stone to success.
A parent’s perspective
Actress Sarwat Gilani, who attended the screening, acknowledged that it took her 20 years to establish herself in the industry and break away from playing conventional roles. She expressed gratitude for the growing recognition of Pakistani independent cinema, particularly for films like ‘Noor’ that tackle important causes and have a clear objective. As a parent herself, Gilani connected deeply with the film’s message. She highlighted the prevalence of children being ridiculed and mocked for wearing glasses, emphasizing the harmful impact it can have on their self-esteem. Gilani commended the simplicity and effectiveness of ‘Noor’s’ message and expressed her satisfaction with being part of the project.
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Looking ahead
When asked about her return to television dramas, Sarwat Gilani playfully hinted that she would be appearing in commercials and assured her fans that she would be back shortly. Her response suggests that she is open to diverse acting opportunities and is eager to explore different mediums while continuing to entertain her audience.
Conclusion
The screening of the Cannes award-winning Pakistani short film ‘Noor’ in Karachi marked a significant milestone for Pakistani cinema. The film’s thought-provoking portrayal of the challenges faced by individuals with vision problems struck a chord with the audience. With its engaging subject matter and well-crafted script, ‘Noor’ captivated viewers without relying on conventional elements like music, action, or comedy.
