Instep rounds up this weekend’s hot and happening activities.
CINESCOPE
With no screening of Indian movies in cinemas these days, it’s a relief that more and more local films are making their way to theatres. While in the last couple of weeks, Wajahat Rauf’s Lahore Se Aagey and Sanam Saeed-starrer Rahm were running in cinemas, this weekend will see the release of Mehreen Jabbar’s Dobara Phir Se. The film features an all-star ensemble cast that includes Adeel Hussain, Hareem Farooq, Sanam Saeed, Ali Kazmi, Tooba Siddiqui, Shaz Khan and Atiqa Odho. Centering upon the stories of four friends living in New York, Dobara Phir Se will take you to a beautiful journey of love and relationships.
Apart from local films, one of the most awaited films of the year Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, is also coming out this weekend. The fantasy film, directed by David Yates, is a true treat for every Harry Potter fan as the film is author J.K Rowling’s debut as a scriptwriter. The film is based on the book series of the same name, also written by Rowling, and is set in the Potter universe 100 years before the birth of Harry Potter. This is also the first film of the Fantastic Beasts series. Interestingly, many film critics have considered Fantastic Beasts as the first anti-Trump production in Hollywood as it talks about building a wall to keep out the ‘magical creatures.’ Starring Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston and Collin Farrell, the film also features Johnny Depp in a small cameo.
CULTURE
Apart from feature length films, a variety of short films will also be screened at multiple film festivals that are scheduled to take place this weekend. First, there is Pakistan Calling Film Festival that aims to provide young and aspiring filmmakers an opportunity to showcase their work. Scheduled to commence from today at Rangoonwala Centre, the festival program includes film screenings, panel discussions as well as workshops. It will screen short films made by independent Pakistani and international filmmakers which will be juried by well known directors Jamil Dehlavi and Jami Mahmood.
Another film festival that will begin today is Sindh Mountain Film Festival, in collaboration with Pakistan International Mountain Film Festival (PIMFF) and the Sindh Government. Scheduled to take place in Karachi, this is the first ever festival that aims to promote tourism in Sindh. The festival will screen 40 films that have been made on mountains out of which five films will be based on mountains of Sindh (from Mount Everest to K2, Karoonjhar to Khirthar range). Apart from that, a number of national and international documentaries from all over the world will also be showcased. The festival is open to all and the entry is free. It will take place from November 26 (12pm) till November 27 (10pm) at the National Museum of Pakistan.
FASHION
Winter is a busy time for fashion. With weddings, parties and the holiday season culling visitors and relatives from all over the world to town, the need for more clothes is always priority. It’s a good thing that designers are on the ball and have collections ready for the take.
Body Focus Museum, the fabulous label that steers clear of commercially compromised clothes and sticks to a stunning design aesthetic is hosting its biggest sale ever these days. It started a few days ago and will continue for a few more and the best thing is, the BFM sale has every single facet of the label up for grabs, for fantastic price. So whether you’re a fan of their denim or their luxurious crushed silk tunics and jackets, you’re bound to find something you love!
Another thing to look out for this weekend is Amrapali Jaipur’s two day sale. Popular for its eclectic range of silver and gold jewellery, the brand opened its sale yesterday which will continue till tonight, so head out to Ensemble if you’re an Amrapali aficionado. There are some great pieces including contemporary, beaten gold cuffs and delicately traditional jhumka baalis.
THEATRE
Thankfully, the theatre scene has been flourishing as well, and the recently concluded Karachi Theatre Festival is proof of that. While the festival may be over, theatre fans can rejoice at the fact that Joshinder Chaggar and Sunil Shankar’s A Love Letter to Karachi will continue to run till the 27th and will be performed at NAPA. The modern contemporary dance show is Chaggar’s tribute to the city by the sea which she has grown to love, despite its chaos and confusion. Another maestro involved in the production is Ahsan Bari, who is responsible for the phenomenal music of the show.