Category: Entertainment

#CokeStudio15 #CokeStudioPakistan #SoundOfTheNation

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)   Coke Studio announces the release of seventh song from Season 15, “Blockbuster,” an anthem bursting with Pakistani pride. Featuring the electrifying duo of Faris Shafi and Umair Butt (of Butt Brothers), the song also features for the first time, the all-women folk ensemble, Gharwi Group [Abida, Rooha Rawal, Sajida Bibi & Saba Hassan], who bring their vibrant Rajasthani heritage to the forefront to celebrate the bold spirit and cultural richness of Pakistan.

Faris Shafi has grown to become a luminary in Pakistan’s rap scene, known for his profound storytelling and rhythmic lyricism. His rap style blends social commentary with musical allure, resonating with audiences worldwide. Umair Butt shines as a vocalist in the Butt Brothers duo. His musical delivery reflects a rich tapestry of classical and Punjabi folk, creating a unique blend of authenticity and swagger. Gharwi Group hails from the famed Gharwi Mohalla, home to iconic artists such as Naseebo Lal and Reshma and are custodians of a rich musical legacy, expressed with soulful sincerity.

For, “Blockbuster” they all come together as collaborators for a song that bursts with the energy, friendship and swag of a Pakistani Mohalla (neighborhood), vividly brought to life under the vision of Season 15 Producer and Curator, Xulfi.

A Cinematic Spectacle, the song, co-written by Xulfi, Faris, and Umair, is brought to sensational scope by seasoned Coke Studio Director, Zeeshan Parwez. Shot in a single take, “Blockbuster” tells a story set in panoramic cinemascope, celebrating collective cultural identity with unabashed flourish. The meticulous work of Art Director Mariyam Ali, Producer Shahrukh Kazim, and Cinematographer Ahsan Raza brings the song’s energy to life.

“Blockbuster” is a story about celebrating collective identity. The song follows Faris Shafi and Umair Butt as they navigate the vibrant chaos of a typical Mohalla, complete with heavy traffic, pedestrian hustle and roadside businesses, each gathering their entourage to celebrate a momentous occasion. The entire community joins in the celebrations, representing the spirit of camaraderie and togetherness that defines Pakistan.

While “Blockbuster” celebrates unity, it also highlights the power of individual dreams. In the song, both Umair and Faris speak to the heart of the nation, urging every age group to believe in themselves and own their individual stardom.

The song also features two dance sequences choreographed by the Norwegian urban dance group Quick Style, adding a dynamic flair. Passengers perform electrifying moves aboard a bus with Faris on board, while the Gharwi Group infuse a provincial texture to the song, with their unique soul and style, one carried forward from their ancestors of the Rajasthan Desert. Their sound, both plaintive and exuberant, provides a pillar of solidarity with past and tradition.

Curated, produced and arranged by Xulfi, Blockbuster can be heard here: https://www.youtube.com/@cokestudio

Lahore (Qasim Ali)

Ajoka Theatre marked its 40th birthday with fanfare and a brilliantly organised cultural event at Alhamra Arts Centre. A delegation of eminent theatre practitioners from Indian Punjab attended the event. They included theatre director and playwright Kewal Dhaliwal, writer and professor, Arvinder Kaur Dhaliwal, famous Punjabi actor couple Anita Devgan and Hardip Gill and poet and peace activist Arvinder Singh Chamak. Celebrities associated with Ajoka at one tome and were specially invited included Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan, journalist Hamid Mir, Senator Walid Iqbal, leading actors Samiya Mumtaz and Savera Nadeem. A theatre exhibition was organised in the Foyer of Alhamra Hall 2 where costumes and props from famous Ajoka plays were put on display. During the programmes dramatic scenes from Ajoka plays and a video report of Ajoka’s four decades journey. Performers at the event included talented singer Sara Raza Khan, Meem Sisters Mahwish and Madeeha, while Alyzee Khan a dance performance about women’s empowerment. A new Ajoka song “jeevay ajoka” was introduced on this occasion. The programme ended with a scintillating qawwali performance by famous Sher Miandad qawwals. Kewal Dhaliwal spoke about his over 30 years of collaboration with Ajoka and said several of Ajoka plays are widely performed in Indian Punjab and four of Shahid Nadeem’s plays are in MA Punjabi syllabus in vary universities. Hamid Mir talked about the days when he toured with Ajoka playing the role of a despotic Kotwal and was persecuted by General Zia’s regime. Aitzaz Ahsan remembered the times when he helped arrange exchange between India and Pakistan of thousands of prisoners. He also paid tribute to the contribution of Shahid Nadeem and Madeeha Gauhar for peace and goodwill.

Cannes, France – The Pakistan Crescent Collective inaugurated its presence at the Cannes Film Festival by hosting a groundbreaking panel discussion featuring the esteemed team from Mano Animation Studios, creators of Pakistan’s first hand-drawn animated feature film, “The Glassworker.” This momentous event provided attendees with an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse into the highly anticipated project ahead of its forthcoming Annecy World Premiere.

The panel discussion, moderated by celebrated filmmaker Mohammed Ali Naqvi, Chairman of the Pakistani Academy Selection Committee, delved into the innovative aspects and challenges encountered during the creation of “The Glassworker.” Director Usman Riaz and Producer Khizer Riaz shared their insights, offering a captivating narrative of their journey in bringing this landmark film to life.

“The Glassworker” presents a captivating tale set against the backdrop of a country inspired by Pakistan, focusing on the compelling relationship between a father and son who run a glass workshop. Amidst the turmoil of an impending war, their lives are further complicated by the arrival of an army colonel and his musically gifted daughter, Alliz. The film boasts a stellar voice cast including Art Malik, Sacha Dhawan, Anjli Mohindra, and Tony Jayawardena.

Usman Riaz expressed his gratitude, stating, “It is an honor to be presenting our journey at Cannes. For our first film ‘The Glassworker’ to receive so much love and wonderful support from our peers is truly special.”

Khizer Riaz, Producer of “The Glassworker” and Mano Animation Studios founder, echoed this sentiment, expressing his gratitude to the Pakistan Crescent Collective for their support. “To be acknowledged and supported by the international film industry at the world’s most prestigious film festival is truly a dream come true,” he remarked.

Mohammed Ali Naqvi, Chairman of the Pakistani Academy Selection Committee, highlighted the significance of platforms like the Pakistan Crescent Collective in amplifying diverse voices from Pakistan. He emphasized, “Our films are breaking barriers and narrating our own stories, in a world where marginalization of stories from the global south and rampant Islamophobia still persists. We are determined to change that very narrative. This year, we’re excited to unveil ‘The Glassworker’ by Usman Riaz and Mano Animation Studios, a young team drawing inspiration from Japan’s legendary Studio Ghibli.”

In addition, Apoorva Bakshi, Executive Producer of “The Glassworker” from Awedacious Originals, reflected on the collaborative journey of creating this cinematic masterpiece. “It’s a testament to the power of collaboration and strife to achieve excellence born from a shared dream,” Bakshi stated.

“The Glassworker,” a labor of love and dedication, will be released on July 26 in Pakistan by Geo Films and Mandviwala Entertainment. International sales will be handled by Charades. The event was sponsored by Zareen’s Restaurant.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Coke Studio releases the sixth song from Season 15, Chal Chaliye, bringing the inimitable vocals of Sajjad Ali, Pakistan’s Prince of Pop, with the purity of neo-classical sensation, Farheen Raza Jaffry in an exchange that speaks to that of mentor and student.

This collaboration, a testament to producer Zulfiqar Jabbar Khan’s [Xulfi] vision, paints a vivid picture of a man (Sajjad Ali) urging a woman (Farheen Raza Jaffry) to step out of her comfort zone and embrace a life of adventure. The lyrics, “Koi tau awaz tujhe neend se jagaye gi | Toota hua khwab tera jor se dikhaye gi” (A voice will sound to pull you from your slumber | A voice that will piece the fragments of your broken dream together), are a powerful call to action.

Directed by Awais Gohar, the opening scene showcases a bustling cityscape, reminiscent of a pre-Partition era, before transitioning to a richly hued room where Sajjad Ali sits, his presence imbued with a sense of experience and wisdom.

Farheen Raza Jaffry appears vibrant and full of life, yet remains hesitant, a stark contrast to Sajjad Ali’s confident demeanor. The video masterfully depicts the internal struggle between fear and the desire for adventure.

Indeed, Chal Chaliye is a poignant exploration of hope, courage, and the choices we make. It’s a testament to Coke Studio’s enduring legacy of bringing together exceptional artists and creating music that transcends borders.

The Artists:

• Farheen Raza Jaffry: A rising star from Lahore, Farheen is not just a singer, but a multi-faceted artist. Steeped in the melodies of Pakistani music legends, she brings a touch of the Golden Era to her captivating voice.

• Sajjad Ali: A true icon of Pakistani music, Sajjad Ali’s career spans genres from semi-classical to pop and rock. His electrifying performances and ability to blend genres have garnered him international acclaim.

Curated, produced and arranged by Xulfi, with Art Direction by Hashim Ali, Chal Chaliye can be heard here: https://www.youtube.com/@cokestudio

In the meantime, be sure to listen to your favorite songs from Coke Studio on Spotify https://open.spotify.com and keep yourself logged on to https://www.tiktok.com/@cokestudiopakistan, https://www.youtube.com/@cokestudio  and https://www.instagram.com/coke_studio to follow the Coke Studio journey.

Modoxy Media, helmed by Three-time Emmy-nominated filmmaker and Pakistani Academy Selection Committee chairman Mohammed Ali Naqvi, launches ‘The Pakistan Crescent Collective’ At Cannes 2024:

Spotlighting and Championing Pakistani Cinema On A Global Stage London

Modoxy Media proudly announces The Pakistan Crescent Collective’s debut at the Cannes Film Festival from May 14th to 20th, 2024. The Pakistan Crescent Collective represents Pakistan’s official presence at the Cannes Film Festival, marking the first time the country has had a central hub. Its mission is to discover and nurture the next generation of talent, preserve film, and promote Pakistani and diaspora films globally, thereby advancing Pakistan’s visual culture. In recent years, Pakistan has made a significant impact at Cannes, starting with the Un Certain Regard Jury Prize winner ‘Joyland’ (2022), followed by last year’s ‘In Flames’ in the Director’s Fortnight section. Both films were Pakistan’s official submissions to the Academy Awards. The Pakistan Crescent Collective aims to build on this momentum by launching a robust and comprehensive program for the 77th Cannes Film Festival which includes a filmmaker panel discussion and event following the marche preview screening for the highly anticipated ‘The Glassworker’. ‘The Glassworker’ is a landmark for Pakistani cinema as the country’s first 2D hand-painted traditional film. Inspired by the iconic Japanese animation house, Studio Ghibli, director Usman Riaz describes ‘The Glassworker’ as a love letter to Japanese animation. Riaz, who founded Karachi-based Mano Studios, visited Studio Ghibli in 2015, which inspired him to start his own studio. The significance of this event is highlighted by Studio Ghibli receiving the Palme d’Or at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, and ‘The Glassworker’ being selected for its world premiere at the renowned Annecy International Film Festival next month. In addition, the Pakistan Crescent Collective is co-hosting the inauguration and reception for the world’s first South Asian Film Market, launched by the Oscar-qualifying Tasveer Film Festival. As part of the launch, Tasveer and the Pakistan Crescent Collective will co-host an exclusive speed networking event on the American Pavilion Terrace. Selected filmmaking teams will meet with established film financiers and funders to pitch their next project during a rapid round of networking, followed by a cocktail sundowner reception for all participants. This event is part of American Pavilion’s Global Lens Day. Mohammed Ali Naqvi, founder of Modoxy Media, emphasized the significance of Pakistan Crescent Collective, states, “As one of the only countries without a central hub at Cannes, it’s imperative to launch initiatives like The Crescent Collective. We are dedicated to championing Pakistani cinema and talent, both at home and abroad. It’s time to celebrate our own.” In recent years, Pakistani cinema and TV have seen a celebrated rise, marked by groundbreaking achievements. “The Legend of Maula Jatt” became the highest-grossing Pakistani film ever, shattering records domestically and globally. Hollywood has also seen increased Pakistani representation, with Mohammed Ali Naqvi co-executive producing two seasons of the Netflix top ten hit “Turning Point: The Bomb & The Cold War” and directing “The Accused: Damned or Devoted?”— the first Pakistani film nominated for a Primetime Emmy for Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking. “Ms. Marvel,” the first Muslim-American superhero series, also showcased Pakistani-American talent. Additionally, Iram Parveen Bilal’s “Wakhiri” and Fawzia Mirza’s “Queen of My Dreams” have made waves with their recent theatrical releases.

Lahore (Qasim Ali)

Ajoka’s 5-day theatre festival opens today at Alhamra to mark group’s 40th anniversary. The festival includes plays from each of the past four decades and will run from 2-6 May at Alhamra Hall 2. Kicking off the festival is Ajoka’s acclaimed production, “Teesri Dastak,” penned by acclaimed playwright and Ajoka’s Executive Director, Shahid Nadeem. This thought-provoking play carries a powerful message that violence only begets violence, and the suppression of individual expressions does not bring about meaningful change. Set against the backdrop of a dilapidated urban slum, “Teesri Dastak” portrays the resilience of marginalized, who cling to their dreams of a free and just world despite endless betrayals and setbacks. The cast of the play includes Usman Raaj, Mohd Qaiser, Kanwal Khan, Muzamil Shabbir, Madeeha Rasheed, Rai Ali, Rai Kamran, Nasir Mahmood, Anish Khan, Bilal, Faraz and Meesam. During the festival, Ajoka’s talented team will also present iconic plays such as “Bulha”, “Dara,” and “Jaloos.” Each performance promises to not only entertain but also enlighten audiences with themes of peace, tolerance, and religious harmony. The festival is dedicated to Ajoka’s founder director, Madeeha Gauhar, whose 6th anniversary was observed last week. Ajoka team led by Executive Director Shahid Nadeem met the new VC of GC University Professor Dr Shazia Bashir on 30 April to discuss an MOU between Ajoka and GCU. Ajoka also congratulated Professor Shazia on assuming charge as the furst woman VC/ Principal in Govt College’s 160 year old history. The VC appreciated Ajoka’s contribution to performing arts and congratulated it on Ajoka’s 40th anniversary.

 

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

SOC Films, the multi-award-winning film production company founded by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, is excited to announce the latest cycle of the Neela Asmaan Artist Residency Program, set to begin in summer 2024.

After a successful inaugural year, the artist residency, situated in Shigar in northern Pakistan, is now accepting applications for 2024. With five artists focused on various disciplines in 2023, including filmmaking, writing and poetry, this year they are expanding their scope by offering more cycles and therefore, taking in more artists.

Selected artists will spend two weeks at Neela Asmaan to focus on their proposed projects. They will have the opportunity to tuck themselves away from their regular lives and routines, and dedicate this time to immerse themselves in their art. Artists will receive a stipend that will cover their meals during the residency. In the latter half of the year, the residency will host an Artist Talk where artists from 2024 who have already concluded their residency periods will be invited to exhibit their work, in a format of their choosing. This will provide them with the opportunity to showcase their work and talent for external attendees.

The program is open to all creative souls, irrespective of gender, who have a clear vision for their project and a passion for their craft. Applications for the residency are now open and the deadline to apply is May 13^th, 2024. Interested applicants can fill out the application form available on SOC Films’ website and linked on Neela Asmaan’s Instagram page. With the completed application form, artists must submit their samples of their work or a portfolio.

 

TikTok partners with Coke Studio as Official Entertainment Partner for Season 15

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir) TikTok, the leading destination for short videos, has announced its first partnership with Coke Studio as the Official Entertainment Partner for Season 15. This collaboration marks a significant milestone as both brands continue to revolutionize the entertainment landscape and bring diverse, engaging content to audiences worldwide.

Coke Studio Pakistan has been at the forefront of music innovation, bringing together emerging and breakthrough artists to create unforgettable musical experiences. With billions of views across the globe, Coke Studio has established itself as a cultural phenomenon, transcending borders and genres.

Through this partnership, TikTok becomes the official Entertainment Partner for Coke Studio Season 15, harnessing the power of both brands to redefine the way audiences engage with music, lifestyle, and entertainment content. TikTok will provide exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, artist interviews, and unique content experiences, amplifying the magic of Coke Studio to a global audience.

Speaking about the partnership, Saif Mujahid, Head of Content Operations & Marketing – Pakistan, stated, “We are thrilled to partner with Coke Studio, a pioneering platform that shares our commitment to creativity and cultural exchange. Together, we aim to set new trends in entertainment, leveraging the power of music and storytelling to inspire and connect communities worldwide.”

“Coke Studio has always been a platform to celebrate musical diversity and to break boundaries,” said Zeeshan Haider Sikander, Senior Coke Studio Manager for Eurasia & Middle East. “This partnership with TikTok allows us to build on that legacy, taking our journey even further. We are proud that Coke Studio has become a vessel for representing and celebrating Pakistani culture, stories, and talent. Through this collaboration, we’re excited to amplify this representation and bring the magic of Pakistan and Coke Studio to wider audiences across the globe.”

Stay tuned as TikTok and Coke Studio come together to create unforgettable moments and inspire a new era of entertainment for audiences worldwide.