Tag: Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy

  • Sharmeen Obaid defends stance on Turkish actors

    Sharmeen Obaid defends stance on Turkish actors

    Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy continues to defend her stance on Turkish actor despite receiving immense backlash and criticism.

    In a series of stories on Instagram, Chinoy backed her opinion questioning her followers and presenting facts.

    “Let’s play a game,” wrote the award-winning director before questioning how many Pakistani films were made in 2020 and how many brands slashed their budgets last year.

    Chinoy then went onto say that “every industry that the government want to see grow has protections” because of which imports are taxed and/or discouraged.

    “When you have budgets and work for Pakistani actors, then begin to import foreign ones,” continued the filmmaker. “Bollywood and Hollywood can afford to do that – we cannot.”

    She then urged her followers to invest in “your own people and industry first”.

    “I welcome the day when our industry will thrive and we will afford to welcome talent from overseas but not when I see our own struggling without work,” she added.

    “Too bad the truth isn’t always pretty,” concluded Chinoy.

    Sharmeen’s comments come after she was trolled for disapproving Peshawar Zalmi’s decision to appoint Esra Bilgiç as the face of the team.

    “I find this hilarious!,” Sharmeen had said. “A Turkish actress whose country doesn’t even play the sport will now be a mascot for cricket.”

    “What happened to Pakistani actresses by the way?” she said further. “Did they all disappear that we have to get foreign ones? Whatever is left of our industry will die if you keep paying Turkish actors for jobs Pakistani actors can do!”

    Diriliş: Ertuğrul has been trending in Pakistan ever since its first episode aired on PTV Home in Ramzan 2020. Pakistanis are loving the drama series and it has become a sensation in the country. According to some estimates, millions of people have tuned in to watch the show on PTV and YouTube.

    Recently, several Turkish actors from the super hit series Diriliş: Ertuğrul have visited Pakistan for different purposes. From Engin Altan Düzyatan (Ertuğrul Bey) to Cavit Çetin Güner (Dogan Alp) and Celal AL (Abdur Rehman Alp), almost every prominent actor from the drama series has visited different cities of the country.

  • Sharmeen Obaid irked with Peshawar Zalmi for considering Esra as ambassador

    Sharmeen Obaid irked with Peshawar Zalmi for considering Esra as ambassador

    Peshawar Zalmi’s decision to appoint Esra Bilgiç as the face of the team has irked Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, who took to social media to express her disapproval.

    Commenting under a post, which speculated that Zalmi has chosen Esra as their brand ambassador for the upcoming edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Sharmeen said: “I find this hilarious! A Turkish actress whose country doesn’t even play the sport will now be a mascot for cricket.”

    “What happened to Pakistani actresses by the way?” she continued. “Did they all disappear that we have to get foreign ones? Whatever is left of our industry will die if you keep paying Turkish actors for jobs Pakistani actors can do!”

    When an Instagram user responded to Chinoy and said that giving work to foreign actors will be good for the industry, Chinoy said: “You don’t know anything about the industry. How can you say it’s good for it?”

    “We have a very small industry, we have to protect it,” she continued. “Once we grow, we can open up. Please do your research before making such tall claims.”

    “This is not about close-mindedness or about being jealous, this is being practical given the resources we have,” she added.

    Read more – ‘It is not a threat’: Faisal Javed advises Fahad Mustafa to learn from ‘Diriliş: Ertuğrul’

    Responding to another user who advised her not to be jealous, Chinoy said: “Last I checked I was a filmmaker, not an actress but since most of you don’t care about Pakistani film industry, let me lay it out for you.”

    “If you stop sponsoring your own actors and actresses whatever is left of the industry will die. But trolls like you don’t care that you can take a punt at me! Good luck with that,” she added.

    Bilgiç aka Haleema Sultan recently left fans in a tizzy after she posted a picture of Islamia University Peshawar with the caption “The City of Flowers”.

    While it has not yet been confirmed whether the star has signed a deal with the team, Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi added more fuel to the fire by retweeting Esra’s tweet and posting one with the same caption.

    Earlier in July 2020, Afridi had asked Zalmi fans what they thought about having the cast of Dirilis: Ertuğrul as the brand ambassador of the team. Responding to Afridi’s tweet, the Turkish actress had said: “I will be sharing some good news with you soon.”

    Recently, several Turkish actors from the super hit drama series have visited Pakistan for different purposes. From Engin Altan Düzyatan (Ertuğrul Bey) to Cavit Çetin Güner (Dogan Alp) and Celal AL (Abdur Rehman Alp), almost every prominent actor from the drama series has visited different cities of the country.

    Diriliş: Ertuğrul has been trending in Pakistan ever since its first episode aired on PTV Home in Ramzan 2020. Pakistanis are loving the drama series and it has become a sensation in the country. According to details, millions of people have tuned in to watch the show on PTV and YouTube.

  • Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, Sarwat Gillani, Bilal Abbas among Asia’s Top 50 celebrities of 2020

    Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, Sarwat Gillani, Bilal Abbas among Asia’s Top 50 celebrities of 2020

    Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, Sarwat Gilani and Bilal Abbas and Ali Zafar have been listed in Eastern Eye’s Top 50 Asian Celebrities of the World in 2020.

    According to the publication’s website, “The list is based on those who did good work, made a positive impact, broke boundaries, shattered glass ceilings, gave hope, did philanthropic deeds or were just inspiring in their own unique way.”

    The highest Pakistani on the list was Sarwat Gilani on number 21 beating the likes of Salman Khan and Pankaj Das.

    “The Pakistani actress headed the cast list of the best new South Asian serial of the year, Churails, which exploded onto the scene and destroyed all existing rule books,” wrote the publication about the actor. “With the electrifying drama, she opened the door for a new era of TV content in Pakistan box and consolidated her position as a feminist icon.”

    Read more – Did you know Sarwat Gilani has royal roots?

    Bilal Abbas Khan was number 28 on the list and was acknowledged for his work in Eik Jhooti Love Story and Pyar Ke Sadqay.

    “The fastest rising acting star in Pakistan continued reaching new heights in 2020. The unstoppable actor started the year with HUM TV series Pyar Ke Sadqay and ended it with ZEE5 sleeper hit Eik Jhooti Love Story. With some more high-profile projects on the way, Khan looks like the future of Pakistani film and television,” wrote Eastern Eye about the heartthrob.

    On number 39 was actor and singer Ali Zafar.

    “The Pakistani singer, actor, musician and humanitarian saved the Pakistani cricket league this year by giving them a better anthem than they had. He also promoted new talent with his record label. More meaningful was the immense humanitarian work the actor did for those who were suffering during Covid-19. His actions inspired others and consolidated his star credentials,” said the publication about Zafar.

    Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy at number 49 was the only director included in the list.

    “The only director in the list once again used her platform to raise awareness about social issues, nurture new talent and gain international attention for her work. A big highlight was the stunning animated short Sitara: Let Girls Dream, which premiered earlier this year. The Oscar winner was also signed up to direct superhero series Ms Marvel.”

    Meanwhile, Bollywood actor Sonu Sood topped the list because of his relief efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown.

    “No celebrity did more to help others during lockdown than the big-hearted Bollywood star,” said Eastern Eye. “What started off with him helping impoverished migrant workers stranded by lockdown get back home evolved into a spectacularly philanthropic mission that made a difference to so many during the pandemic.”

    “Whether it was paying for surgery, setting up a scholarship, campaigning for women’s rights, or buying a new tractor for a farmer, so his daughters could study and not plough a field, super Sonu helped in any way he could in 2020. He became a strong symbol of hope during a crushing year where it was needed more than ever and that is why he is named as the greatest Asian celebrity in the world for 2020,” it added.

    The star-studded list also included major names like Anushka Sharma, Salman Khan, Amitabh Bachchan and Zayn Malik.

  • Documentary on Qandeel Baloch debuts at America’s biggest documentary festival

    Documentary on Qandeel Baloch debuts at America’s biggest documentary festival

    Pakistan’s multi-award winning production house Soc Films’ latest documentary, A Life Too Short, debuted at the 11th edition of DOC NYC, America’s largest documentary festival.

    https://twitter.com/SOCFilms/status/1335931777840451586?s=20

    A Life Too Short chronicles the life of social media superstar, the late Qandeel Baloch, who pushed boundaries in conservative Pakistan like no other. She was killed at the age of 26 by her brother who smothered her to death for her open exclamations of women’s equality and sexuality through her sensational social media presence.

    “Making this documentary has been a labour of love for more than three years and now that it’s ready to go out into the world, I am both nervous and excited. Undoubtedly, Qandeel had big dreams and the courage to create her own identity but I am left terrified every time I realize that not all women amongst us are afforded their basic right to choose to live however they want. Yet I live for the day when there won’t be a price to pay should a woman choose to follow her heart.” said director Safyah Zafar Usmani while talking about the documentary.

    Qandeel’s belongings

    “Making biographical films is always tricky, but it’s harder when your subject is as complex and widely misunderstood as Qandeel Baloch. There’s so much more to her story than how it came to an end, but it’s really important for the world to remember the price Qandeel had to pay just because she chose to dream big and remain true to herself, and hopefully, this film will help do that,” said co-director Saad Zubairi.

    A Life Too Short was one of the 12 titles showcased this year at DOC NYC The Short List: Shorts. Last year the selection included seven of the ten films that went on to be named to the Oscars Shortlist for Documentary Shorts and three of DOC NYC’s picks went on to be Oscar nominees. This year’s DOC NYC’s winning short will qualify for consideration in the Documentary Short Subject category of the Annual Academy Awards in 2021, without the standard theatrical run, provided the film otherwise complies with the Academy rules.

    Directed by Safyah, co-directed by Saad and produced by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, the documentary also features executive producers Sheila Nevins and Guy Oseary, cinematographer Nadir Siddiqui and editor Mishaal Adhaami.

    Qandeel’s short but chaotic life has provided inspiration for several works including drama serial Baaghi starring Saba Qamar, Osman Khalid Butt and Ali Kazmi. Journalist Sanam Maher also wrote a book on the life of the late social media sensation titled The Sensational Life and Death of Qandeel Baloch. The book also recently featured in the New York Times ‘Top 100 books of 2020’ list.

    Recently, Sharmeen’s set of short films HOME 1947 won the Best Film [Short Documentary] Award at the South Asian Film Festival of Montréal.

  • Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s ‘Home1947’ wins at Montréal’s South Asian Film Festival

    Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s ‘Home1947’ wins at Montréal’s South Asian Film Festival

    Another proud moment for Pakistan as Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s set of short films HOME1947 won the Best Film [Short Documentary] Award at the South Asian Film Festival of Montréal.

    The films part of HOME1947 which won the Best Film [Short Documentary] award at SAFFM 2020 included, Ghosts of the Past, Midnight Fury, Khamosh Pani (Silent water), Weaving Memories, Zameen and Dark Secrets.

    According to the makers, “HOME1947 is a deeply personal exploration of the lives and stories of the millions that were displaced in 1947 during the creation of two new independent states, India and Pakistan.”

    “HOME1947 recreates the long-lost sights and sounds of what millions once called home and explores this world not through the words of historians and politicians, but through the eyes of those who lived through it,” adds the statement.

    The HOME1947 Series was first premiered as part of the HOME1947 Exhibition at the Manchester International Festival in the UK followed by exhibitions in Mumbai [India], Lahore and Karachi.

    The South Asian Film Festival of Montréal (SAFFM) showcases new artistic work that fosters discussions and explores the world we inhabit. The Festival aims to provide a platform for filmmakers worldwide whose films have a focus on South Asia and its diaspora.

  • Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy to reportedly co-direct ‘Ms Marvel’ series for Disney+

    Yet another proud moment for Pakistan! Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy has reportedly been roped in by Disney+ as one of the directors of the Ms Marvel series.

    According to The Hollywood Reporter, Chinoy along with Meera Menon, Adil El Arbi, and Bilall Fallah have been assembled to bring the Pakistani-American superhero’s story to the screen. While Arbi and Fallah are the team behind this year’s Bad Boys for Life, Menon has worked on episodes of The Walking Dead, The Punisher, Titans, Dirty John, and Outlander.

    Marvel Studios’ first onscreen Muslim hero, Ms Marvel was introduced in 2014. Written by Bisha K. Ali and co-created by Marvel editor and director Sana Amanat, Ms Marvel is about Kamala Khan, a teen based in New Jersey who one day discovers that she has superpowers. Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige has said that in addition to appearing on the small screen, Kamala Khan will be included in future Marvel films.

    The studio is currently searching for an actor to play the hero, whose comics have explored her identity as a Pakistani-American living in a religious family while trying to find her own way.

    Read more – Marvel to feature Muslim-Pakistani superhero Kamala Khan in blockbuster Avengers game

    A celebrated documentarian, Sharmeen took home Oscars for 2015’s A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness, which explored the aftermath of an attempted honour killing, and 2012’s Saving Face, which highlighted acid attacks on women in Pakistan. The Pakistani-Canadian filmmaker also won Emmys for both projects and has collected a total of six in her career.

    Meanwhile, Sharmeen’s team has said that the development has not yet been confirmed by Disney+.

  • Coronavirus recession? The Citizens Archive of Pakistan fires 13 citing ‘financial constraints’

    Coronavirus recession? The Citizens Archive of Pakistan fires 13 citing ‘financial constraints’

    As the country observes a lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus, The Citizens Archive of Pakistan (CAP), a non-governmental organisation, has fired 13 employees without prior notice, citing financial constraints.

    In a series of tweets, Raza Gillani, a former employee lashed out at the organisation for what he termed as a move to profit from a pandemic.

    He said that that the organisation had fired him along with 13 other employees without a prior notice until the coronavirus situation subsides. He added that while the government funds one project of the organisation, the employees were still working on the other project remotely. “Where is that money going?” he asked.

    In a veiled reference to two-time Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy who runs the organisation, he said that she makes films depicting the most vulnerable segments of the society but her own organisation was abandoning its most vulnerable employees who have families to sustain in this time of crisis.

    “If downsizing had become so important, why were the directors and those who actually take a hefty salary not fired? Why is it always the most vulnerable employees who are considered a liability at the time of a crisis, if saving money is so important to sustain the organisation?” he asked.

    Later, Raza also posted updates on Twitter stating that the human resource department had assured them that they would be given their notice periods and an additional one-month salary as well. He added that while CAP runs the National History Museum, it was also true that the Punjab government has not paid the salaries of the museum employees for the past six months.

    Following his tweets, CAP, in a statement, said that the organisation relies on the support and funding of donors both private and public to support its core projects.

    They mentioned that they have been struggling for the last several months as they have not received six months of payments. Also, their existing grants have been put on hold as well.

    “Now that the museum is closed for an indefinite period of time due to the government lockdown for COVID-19 pandemic, as a small non-government organisation we are finding it difficult to sustain a large workforce and have had to make some difficult decisions to let some members of our organisation go whilst also having to revisit current employees’ remuneration,” the statement added.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-WpS58ndzn/

    CAP also stated that the terminated employees “will receive their salaries for the month of March 2020 along with an additional month of pay for April 2020 to be paid after their four-week notice in accordance with their contracts”.

    The organisation also claimed that should they be back on their feet after the pandemic is over, “employees who have been terminated will be the first we contact in regards to a return to their position”.

  • Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy rubs shoulders with Deepika Padukone at Davos

    Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy rubs shoulders with Deepika Padukone at Davos

    Pakistan’s resident Oscar-winner Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy recently met and had a lovely conversation on artists and their moral responsibility with Deepika Padukone.

    The award-winning filmmaker shared a picture of herself with Deepika from Davos, calling the actor a hero.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7sNhGiB3a9/

    While details of their meeting are still unknown, it is likely that the two met at TIME Magazine’s Mental Health Luncheon: A Blueprint for Solving the Youth Mental Health Crisis. Sharmeen had thanked TIME in her caption.

    According to the publication, “The event [luncheon] will convene some of the world’s most prominent experts and leaders. The event will feature a keynote interview with internationally-acclaimed actor and mental health advocate Deepika Padukone, who TIME named to the TIME 100 list of the most influential people in the world in 2018″.

    Deepika also received the esteemed Crystal Award at Davos this year for her work on spreading awareness about mental health.

    Read more – Deepika Padukone delivers heartening speech on mental health at Davos

    Deepika’s Chappak is based on the true story of an acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal. The film sheds light on the plight of the survivor and her journey towards her healing and growth. Sharmeen’s documentary Saving Face was also based on the same lines.

    A few days prior to meeting Deepika, Sharmeen also met George Clooney with whom she discussed film and activism. We’re not sure if the two met at Davos or elsewhere.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7csZIlBSmJ/
  • Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy collaborates with Kamal Khan for series on the Partition

    Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy collaborates with Kamal Khan for series on the Partition

    Oscar-winning filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy’s production house SOC Films has launched a new series HOME1947 based on the Partition.

    According to a press release, the HOME1947 Series is a deeply personal exploration of the lives and stories of the millions that were displaced in 1947 during the creation of two new independent states, India and Pakistan.

    “HOME1947 is a series of 7 short films conceptualised and produced by SOC Films, which recreate the long-lost sights and sounds of what millions once called home and explores this world not through the words of historians and politicians, but through the eyes of those who lived through it,” read the official press release.

    The series kickstarted with the release of a short-film titled Beila, directed by the critically acclaimed and award winning director Kamal Khan of Laal Kabootar fame.

    Beila chronicles the journey of a mother singing her baby to sleep on a crowded train in the chaos of 1947 heading towards an unfamiliar destination. The short film starres Faiza Gillani in the lead, who reportedly sang the song live on set in a one take performance.

    The HOME1947 Series first premiered as part of the HOME1947 Exhibition at the Manchester International Festival in the UK followed by exhibitions in Mumbai, Lahore and Karachi. It has been co-commissioned by the British Council in Pakistan in collaboration with the Manchester International Festival and Super Slow Way.