Canadian Pakistani filmmaker Zarrar Kahn shows great understanding and mastery in blending film genres in his stunning debut feature In Flames, and great respect for women’s rights. Set in Karachi, Pakistan, it follows a mother and daughter played by Ramesha Nawal and Bakhtawar Mazhar, at a critical point facing grief, economic ruin, homelessness, and the subtle violence of the unwanted male gaze. Not only are the actors in this hypnotic, genre-bending film, exceptional, but first-timer Kahn knocks it out of the park. What She Said’ Anne Brodie spoke with him about his remarkable achievement.
In Flames in theatres now. Filmmaker Zarrar Khan and lead performers Ramesha Nawal and Bakhtawar Mazhar in attendance for a post-screening Q&A on Sunday, Apr 21, at 2:30pm at TIFF Lightbox