The critically acclaimed Pakistani film Zindagi Tamasha by Sarmad Khoosat has been selected as Pakistan’s official entry for the Oscars 2021
The Pakistani Academy Selection Committee has chosen Sarmad Khoosat’s Zindagi Tamasha (Circus of Life) as Pakistan’s official entry to the 93rd Academy Awards. Considering how the film was banned from being released nationwide, this is a great opportunity for Pakistani cinema to make its mark on Hollywood’s biggest award ceremony.
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The ‘controversial’ film’s release was delayed due to protests and threats from religious groups. The film’s selection into the upcoming ‘International Feature Film Award’ category for the 93rd Academy Awards is due to its gripping story that tackles powerful subject matter.
Directed and co-produced by Sarmad Khoosat, Zindagi Tamasha is written by Nirmal Bano. The film features a star-studded cast that includes the likes of Arif Hassan, Eman Suleman, Samiya Mumtaz, and Ali Kureshi.
Zindagi Tamasha is about a ‘naatkhwan’ and his family. The family is outcasted by society when their secret is leaked. The film was set to hit cinemas on January 24th but its release was suspended after a religious political party objected to its portrayal of a cleric. The party claimed that the film “might lead [people] to deviate from Islam and the prophet.”
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will decide whether the film will be part of the final list of nominees. The final list will be announced on March 15, 2021. Meanwhile, the main award show is scheduled to take place on April 25, 2021.
What do you think about the film’s chances of getting nominated? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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