Dynamic entries at the Tasveer Film Market
The inaugural Tasveer Film Market wrapped up with some exciting news and remarkable signings. Fawad Khan, a renowned superstar from Pakistan, has committed to two major projects, while acclaimed Oscar-winning producer, Guneet Monga Kapoor, has teamed up with veteran director Jahnu Barua for an ambitious film endeavor. Held in Seattle, this market, focused on South Asian cinema, concluded recently and left a significant mark on the industry.
Fawad Khan: A leap into edge-of-the-seat narratives
Fawad Khan will be taking the lead in “Behind the Scenes”, a gripping newsroom thriller developed by Modoxy Media and Film Lab++. This dark comedic thriller promises to captivate audiences with its star-studded ensemble featuring talents like Mehreen Jabbar (‘Jackson Heights’), Sarmad Khoosat (‘Joyland’), and Mo Naqvi (‘Insha’Allah Democracy’).
Moreover, Khan is set to star in “The Prisoner”, a highly anticipated crime thriller series for Awedacious Originals. Based on the bestseller by Omar Shahid, this 1990s-set Pakistani drama sees Khan portraying one of the two daring cops on a covert mission to dismantle Karachi’s ominous mafia-political syndicate. This series, crafted by Parisa Siddiqi and Ahmer Khan, is keenly awaited by fans and critics alike. Alongside, Awedacious has also picked up the documentary “Disruption” by Sarvnik Kaur, which captures a tense conflict between an Indian farmer and a British corporation.
Guneet Monga Kapoor’s international project
Meanwhile, Guneet Monga Kapoor embarks on an international journey as a project mentor for Barua’s Indo-Australian co-production, “Whistle in the Wind.” This film promises to be another significant endeavor for the producer already famed for her Oscar-winning documentary, “The Elephant Whisperers”.
Celebrating diverse voices and stories
The market also saw Lotus Visual Productions unveiling “NISA” by writer-director Ambarien Alqadar, detailing the challenges faced by a 28-year-old Muslim woman. Additionally, “Lone Star Hijra” directed by Sheila Sawhny tells the heartfelt story of an Indian-American transgender woman in search of community and acceptance.
Rita Meher’s Luminary Pictures, in collaboration with executive producer Zaki Chinde, revealed promising developmental ventures such as “The Pharaoh of Pharma,” “The Chili Score” by Vinny Anand and Ronald Austin, and “Good Girls” by Hira Sheraz.
Industry ties and future collaborations
The event commenced with an investor lunch graced by several industry stalwarts including Shobha Sant of Creativeland Studios, Ameet Shukla of One Community, Amy Lillard of Washington Filmworks, Meg Kiernan from Amazon MGM Studios, Samir Sarkar of Magic Hour Films, and Tenten Wei from EST N8.
Rita Meher, the executive director of the market, remarked, “The collaborations formed here reflect the remarkable talent and vision within our community. This market has not only brought diverse creators together but has also created a forum where filmmakers, producers, and industry leaders can exchange ideas, build relationships, and forge new pathways for South Asian narratives globally. It’s inspiring to see these projects come to life, and it’s a matter of pride that the Tasveer Film Market could serve as a platform for such incredible talent and meaningful partnerships.”
Anupama Bose, the associate director, added: “The enthusiasm and response from industry professionals have been outstanding. We look forward to witnessing the journey of the first batch of Tasveer Film Market projects.”
Bringing innovative narratives to the forefront
The Tasveer Film Market has emerged as a pivotal platform for South Asian cinema, bringing together an array of filmmakers and industry professionals to foster innovation and collaboration. By championing diverse voices and compelling narratives, the event has set a new benchmark for film markets globally. Stay tuned to witness the rise of groundbreaking projects and collaborations emanating from this promising platform.