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Saawan is Pakistan’s official Oscar entry

By
Tue, 09, 17

Though most Pakistani films released this year failed to make a mark, there are some exceptions. While movies like Punjab Nahi Jaungi and Na Maloom Afraad 2 found commercial success, other notable efforts such as Saawan have made Pakistan proud at various film festivals.

Though most Pakistani films released this year failed to make a mark, there are some exceptions. While movies like Punjab Nahi Jaungi and Na Maloom Afraad 2 found commercial success, other notable efforts such as Saawan have made Pakistan proud at various film festivals. 

The film picked up four international awards prior to its release in Pakistan last week so it’s not surprising for us to learn that the Pakistani Academy Selection Committee has selected it to be submitted for Oscar consideration under the ‘Foreign Language Film Award’ category at the upcoming edition of the Academy Awards.

Director of the film, Farhan Alam shared in an earlier interview with Instep that the application for Oscar consideration has been accepted by the committee. However, the result wasn’t announced at that time.

Saawan follows the true story of Saawan (played by Syed Karam Hussain), a nine-year-old disabled child affected by polio who is left alone in a deserted area after his family moves to the city. Despite his physical impairment, he doesn’t lose hope and strives to survive against all odds by recalling his mother’s words of wisdom.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will finalize nominees in all the categories in January 2018, followed by an official announcement on January 23.  We hope Saawan makes it to the list of final nominations for the ceremony that is scheduled to take place on March 4, 2018.