Karachi at Night

“Directed by Shahbano Farid, Karachi at Night, provides a glimpse into Pakistan’s nightlife culture, showcasing how local artists overcome cultural and structural obstacles to promote electronic music in the metropolis. Featuring insights from Kukido, Lyla, and Rudoh, among others, the film documents the scene’s growth and its potential to continue flourishing into the future.” – Resident Advisor

Beyond mere entertainment, the film delves into the deeper narrative of artists as they carve out spaces for self-expression amidst the urban landscape.

Fact vs Fiction

“Filmed by award-winning Pakistani filmmaker and NYU/Fulbright Alumnus Shehzad Hameed Ahmad for Singapore’s national broadcaster, Channel NewsAsia, Fact vs Fiction explores technological ecosystems supporting fake news in India and the Philippines. These ecosystems have polarized societies, exacerbated ethnic and religious conflicts, manipulated election results, and incited public fear, agitation, and even violence.”

The non-fictional documentary series is available on YouTube.

The first part is titled: India’s Disinformation War. Synopsis: “Why has fake news become an industry in India? A 15-year-long investigation unearthed 750 fake media outlets operating from India and spanning 119 countries with 550 domain names spreading fake news. Its impact on the country is devastating. A 2023 Statista Survey reveals disinformation was ranked as the number one risk threatening India, surpassing infectious diseases, illicit economic activity and inequality.”

The second part is called Philippines – Detecting Deception. Synopsis: “Why has the Philippines been dubbed ‘Patient Zero’ in the global information epidemic? More than 51% of Filipinos find it difficult to spot ‘fake news’ in the media, with many falling victim to false and manipulative content. We investigate the ecosystems and trolls exacerbating disinformation for political polarisation, resulting in fear and even violence. Along the way, we meet fact-checkers and digital activists traversing remote regions of the country to train young social media users to counter the influence of fake news and disinformation.”

Fact vs Fiction offers a sobering exploration of the human toll exacted by the spread of misinformation. It exposes the fractures within communities and the erosion of trust in institutions, underscoring the urgent need for media literacy and critical thinking skills in the digital age.

Indus Blues

“Pakistani folk artists discuss their struggle to preserve a fading art form while highlighting what the world stands to lose. Shot in over 15 locations across Pakistan, Indus Blues is a musical feature documentary shedding light on the plight of folk musicians and craftsmen in Pakistan and the state of their dying art. The diverse cultures around Indus, with over 70 spoken languages, have deep roots dating back centuries. Despite the richness of these cultures flourishing along the mighty Indus River, their sounds have faded into the background in a world dominated by modern musical instruments. Filmmaker Jawad Sharif takes us on a journey spanning a thousand miles from the Karakoram Mountains to the southern coastline, capturing the little-known ethnic, linguistic, and musical diversity and humanism of the Indus cultures.”

Through poignant interviews and stunning cinematography, Indus Blues not only exposes the challenges faced by these artists but also celebrates their resilience and passion.