Tag: Cannes

  • Yumna Zaidi’s Nayab selected for Jaipur Film Festival

    Yumna Zaidi’s Nayab selected for Jaipur Film Festival

    Marking a milestone moment for Pakistan cinema, ‘Nayab’  has been selected for the Jaipur International Film Festival to be held in India from August 28 to 30.

    The recognition is a follow-up accomplishment to its recent success after the film won the ‘Best Foreign Film’ award at World Film Festival in Cannes.  Directed by Umair Nasir Ali, Nayab also won the Best First Time Film Maker award in the feature film category.

    The film is written by Basit Naqvi and Ali Abbas Naqvi The cast of the film includes Yumna Zaidi, Usama Khan, Ehteshamuddin, Faryal Mehmood Adnan Siddiqui, Mohammad Fawad Khan and Javed Sheikh.

    Umair Nasir Ali shared a story on his Instagram with the caption, “This Independence Day, we are delighted to share that Pakistan’s celebrations have become even more special with the official selection of our film “Nayab” at the 9th Jaipur International Film Festival in India., Nayab is a project close to our hearts, and this recognition is a testament to the hard work and passion of everyone involved. From our EPs to our Production Boys.

    Adding to this joy , our nation has also celebrated a remarkable achievement at the Paris 2024 Olympics , where Arshad Nadeem secured a Gold Medal , surpassing India. These moments in cinema and sports fill us with immense pride as Pakistani continues to shine on the global stage.”

  • Pakistan’s ‘Nayab’ wins at festival in Cannes

    Pakistan’s ‘Nayab’ wins at festival in Cannes

    Pakistani film ‘Nayab’ has won the ‘Best Foreign Film’ award at World Film Festival in Cannes. The film, directed by Umair Nasir Ali, also won the Best First Time Film Maker award in the feature film category. The film is written by Basit Naqvi, Ali Abbas Naqvi

    The story of the film is centered around a young woman determined to break stereotypes by playing cricket for Pakistan’s national team. Her brother, who was once a rising star himself, struggles with his past.

    The director posted a picture on Instagram with the caption, “Happy to share our film “Nayab” won Best Foreign Film and Best First Time Filmmaker (Feature) at the World Film Festival in Cannes – Remember the Future! April 2024 -Despite limited festival opportunities after commercial theatrical release locally and globally, these awards bring us great joy. Thanks to the entire Nayab Team for making “Nayab” possible! Specially @rumina_umair @aliabbasnaqvi88 & @m.basit.naqvi for being there since the inception of the idea which we started in 2019.”

    Yumna Zaidi who played the character of Nayab also posted a picture on her Instagram with the caption, “Nayab” my real star ”

    Note: The prestigious Cannes Film Festival ended on May 25. Don’t confuse it with the World Film Festival in Cannes, a separate monthly competition held in the same city.

  • Why are people hating on Aishwarya Rai’s Cannes 2024 look?

    Why are people hating on Aishwarya Rai’s Cannes 2024 look?

    The Cannes Film Festival is famous for the movies that premiere there, and for the glamorous gowns and high fashion that stars appear in on the red carpet. However, Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s latest red carpet appearance has received mixed reactions from fashion critics and fans.

    Aishwarya wore a black gown adorned with intricate golden patterns, designed by Indian designer Falguni Shane Peacock. The dress, meant to capture attention, had several unique elements that sparked different opinions.
    The gown combined a fitted black base with large gold appliqués, creating a strong contrast that overwhelmed the dress instead of making a big statement. Adding to the complexity were the large white sleeves that billowed around her shoulders, making her look less flattering.

    While puff sleeves can add a touch of Renaissance charm, in Aishwarya’s dress, they made the overall look too heavy. The gold details could have worked well without the sleeves, but instead of adding elegance, they distracted from the harmony and shape of the dress.
    Adding to the drama was the train of Aishwarya’s dress, covered in intricate gold and white details. While it was meant to make a statement, the busy design of the train took away from the elegance usually expected at Cannes. She paired the gown with large gold hoop earrings, which, although meant to match the dress, added to the overall busy look.

    Despite the mixed opinions, Aishwarya Rai’s fashion choices always capture global attention. As one of Bollywood’s most iconic stars, her red carpet appearances are always eagerly anticipated and widely discussed. Her bold choice at the 77th Cannes Film Festival may not have pleased everyone, but it certainly kept all eyes on her.

  • Johnny Depp receives long, standing ovation at Cannes, social media users divided

    Johnny Depp showed up at the Cannes Film Festival a year after a highly publicised court trial with his ex-wife Amber Heard, for the screening of his French period film ‘Jeanne du Barry’, in which he played King Louis XV.

    In a viral clip, the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ actor was seen receiving a thunderous seven minute standing ovation at the premiere of the film.
    Social media users however remained divided on the actor’s comeback.

    Some users were praising how Depp made a powerful comeback after facing years of pushback, being dropped by some major roles, as well as the court trial with his ex-wife Heard, who accused him of domestic abuse and rape.

    Some were enraged at how the prestigious film festival refused to condemn abusers, which lead to the launch of the viral hashtag #cannesyounot, through which Twitter users criticised festival organisers for overlooking allegations of abuse on Depp.

    https://twitter.com/hotline2hades/status/1658758656014405633?s=20

    In an article posted in ‘Liberation’ newspaper, 123 French film workers had criticised the festival’s decision to invite Depp:

    “By rolling out the red carpet to men and women who commit assaults, the festival demonstrates that violence in creative circles can be exercised with complete impunity,” they wrote.

  • After fleeing from Iran, Zara Amir Embrahimi wins ‘Best Actress Award’ at Cannes

    After fleeing from Iran, Zara Amir Embrahimi wins ‘Best Actress Award’ at Cannes

    Iranian actor Zar Amir Ebrahimi, who lives in exile following a smear campaign about her love life, wept with joy as she won the Best Actress Award at the Cannes Film Festival.

    Iranian actress Zar Amir Ebrahimi poses with her trophy during a photocall after she won the best actress prize for her part in

    Ebrahimi, 41, won for the film Holy Spider, in which she plays a journalist trying to solve the serial murders of prostitutes in Iran’s holy city of Mashhad.

    “I have come a long way to be on this stage tonight. It was not an easy story. It was humiliation but there was cinema,” she told the audience in her acceptance speech.

    Directed by Danish-Iranian Ali Abbasi, Holy Spider was inspired by the true story of a working-class man who killed prostitutes in the early 2000s and became known as the “Spider Killer”.

    The film was not permitted to shoot in Iran and instead was made in Jordan.

    Ebrahimi became a star in Iran in her early 20s for her supporting role in one of its longest-running soap operas, Nargess.

  • A first for subcontinent: Pakistani film ‘Joyland’ wins Jury prize at Cannes Film Festival

    A first for subcontinent: Pakistani film ‘Joyland’ wins Jury prize at Cannes Film Festival

    Independent filmmaker, Saim Sadiq’s feature film, Joyland has become the first film from the subcontinent to win a jury prize at Cannes.

    Pakistani film “Joyland”, written and directed by debutant Saim Sadiq, won the Jury Prize in the Un Certain Regard section of the 75th Cannes Film Festival on Friday, becoming the first-ever film from the subcontinent to bag the award.

    Joyland, a drama about a Lahore family in the firm grip of deep-rooted patriarchy, was pipped to the section’s top award.

    The award for “Joyland” represents a global breakthrough of immeasurable proportions for the relatively small Pakistani movie industry.

    Incidentally, Joyland also won the Prix Queer Palm, awarded by Jury chaired by filmmaker Catherine Corsini on Friday. One of the central characters in the film is a transwoman played by a real-life transwoman Alina Khan

    Earlier it also became the first ever Pakistani feature film to get a nomination at the Cannes film festival. It will be screened at the 75th Anniversary of the annual Cannes film festival. This film has made history by getting selected among the 14 films in the feature film category.

    Sana Jafri who starred in the film took to her Instagram to share the proud moment for Pakistan with a screenshot from Cannes official website. The film, Joyland was written in the category of Uncertain Regard.

    Many celebrities congratulated the entire team of the film.

    Mahira Khan wrote, “This is amaaaazin’G! Congratulations to the entire team. And to Pakistan.”

    Actor, Osman Khalid Butt also congratulated on Twitter, “This is FANTASTIC. What a huge moment for Pakistani cinema. Congratulations, Saim and the entire team of Joyland!”

    Actor and model, Adnan Malik also shared the news on his Instagram story and congratulated to the whole team of the film, “This is some incredible news to wake up to.”

    Oscar-Award winner, Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy also took to her Instagram story to share her pride in achieving a milestone by Saim Sadiq.

    Ms Marvel actor, Nimra Bucha also celebrated the proud moment for Pakistan and Saim on her Instagram story

    Nadia Afgan wrote, “So proud of you, Saim Sadiq! Mommy loves you” as she posted Cannes’ official tweet on her Instagram story.

  • Sarwat Gilani, Sania Saeed impress in traditional dresses at the Cannes Film Festival 2022

    Sarwat Gilani, Sania Saeed impress in traditional dresses at the Cannes Film Festival 2022

    Pakistani actresses Sarwat Gilani and Sania Saeed walked at the red carpet at the 75th Cannes Film Festival in traditional attires, making local netizens proud.

    While the Churails star impressed in an exquisite glittery ensemble with high heels and minimal accessories including earrings and statement rings..

    The 39-year-old starlet looked ethereal in her mint green long gowns by Elon. 

    Sarwat Gilani slays spectators in a glittery mint green gown at Cannes red carpet

    Senior actress Sania Saeed opted for a vibrant dark blue and pink floral outfit, complete with silver embellishments. 

    Pakistan represent: Cast of Pakistani film ‘Joyland’ pose at Cannes 2022

    The cast of the Pakistani film Joyland is proudly representing Pakistan at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival along with the director Saim Sadiq.

    The category for feature films at Cannes only takes in a limited number of 14 films and it is a moment of immense pleasure that a Pakistani film made the list.

    Photo: AFP and Sarmad Khoosat/Instagram

    Alina Khan, a transgender actress, also stars in the film.

    Sadiq arrived at the festival in a salmon pink suit paired with a white t-shirt, with Sarwat donning a white, puffy-sleeved dress and strappy black heels for the event. Actor Alina Khan, who starred in Darling, opted for a pink crop top with butterfly detailing, pairing it with a yellow skirt and hair tied into a high ponytail for a daytime-appropriate look. 

    It stars Sarwat Gilani, Salman Peerzada, Sania Saeed, Ali Junejo, Alina Khan and Rasti Farooq. The film is produced by Sarmad Khoosat, Apoorva Guru Charan, and Lauren Mann.

  • Usman Mukhtar’s ‘Bench’ selected at the first Cannes International Independent Film Festival

    Usman Mukhtar’s ‘Bench’ selected at the first Cannes International Independent Film Festival

    Congratulations are in order for Usman Mukhtar, whose short film Bench has been selected at the first Cannes International Independent Film Festival. The film earlier also won the ‘Best Short Film Award’ at the South Shore Film Festival, New York.

    Sharing the exciting news on social media, Usman said, “With great humility, joy and pride do we announce that Bench has been selected at the first Cannes International Independent Film Festival – CIIFF.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CEraLQaJh32/

    Rubya Chaudhry, who is Mukhtar’s co-star in the film also expressed her excitement on social media.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CErdGZcl_QL/?utm_source=ig_embed

    The film which has been directed by Mukhtar and written by Ali Mudar the film sees two people at difficult crossroads of their lives, cross paths.

    Speaking to a local media publication, Mukhtar shared that the “film is about two people who meet on a bench. It’s a dialogue based film which takes a very interesting twist and turns.”

    He had also shared that the film has been submitted to a lot of film festivals including the Toronto, Cannes and Busan Film Festivals but due to the current situation, they’re screening the film online but he is yet to hear back from them.

    Watch the trailer of the film below: