The 7th Kara Film Festival held in Karachi drew to a close on February 15, 2009, with an informal and joyous atmosphere. This year the festival had to be scaled down in size from the previous festivals because of a resource crunch and the present political tension between India and Pakistan. Out of the eight films that were selected at the festival, only two could make it to the feature film section.
After crossing a lot of hurdles, Nandita Das was able to come for Kara, to attend the screening and the closing night ceremony.
So it was even more thrilling to win the highest award for the Best Feature film for her unreleased film Firaaq which had a Gala screening on the 14th evening. It was a full house and got a standing ovation after which there was a very engaging Q & A session.
Mahesh Bhatt, the eminent film maker- producer was also there to express his solidarity with the festival. Talking of Das’ film he said, “Any work of art which is based on the truth has the pulse, the throb and the beat of life. Firaaq has all that and much more. It has pain and empathy for the human race.” Hasan Zaidi, director Kara Film Festival, said, “there were three strong contenders for the biggest award- Nuovomondo (Italy), Khoon Bazi (Iran) and Firaaq (India). But for its brutal honesty and candour, exposing that communalism is not simply about religions but also involves power, class and gender dynamics, its refusal to compromise on the aesthetics of good filmmaking and its optimism about generating a larger understanding for resolving conflicts and humanity itself, the Ciepie for the Best Feature Film goes to Firaaq.” The Jury citation was also read, which said, “Many people might mistakenly believe, especially given the current state of relations between the governments of Pakistan and India, that the choice of Firaaq is an attempt by a festival based in Pakistan to embarrass India regarding its record in Gujarat. However, the jury wishes to emphasize that its reasons for choosing Firaaq as the best feature film of the 7th Kara Film Festival are far removed from such politicking.
Filmmaker Nandita Das has demonstrated through her film that it is possible to explore the contours of a communal holocaust not by focusing on the rancour and prejudice of the perpetrators but instead by looking at the devastation it visits upon the ethos of the victims. In doing so, Nandita Das brings out the healing power of those who strive to provide moral support to the victims.In the end, the film clearly advocates the need not to turn away or indeed to run away, but to stay behind and fight bigotry with all the dignity and determination that communities can muster. Firaaq is also a testament to the power of cinema to fill a vacuum in public discourse.” Firaaq has won at least one prize in every festival that it has entered the competition. But wining the best film award in Kara was more special to Nandita Das in times such as these, where even travelling to the neighbouring country was a struggle. She says, “I am so glad I could make it to Kara with my film when there is a greater need to bridge the widening gaps between the two countries. The reception, warmth and response to the film have been overwhelming.
Also Kara is unlike most festival as it is organised by filmmakers and film lovers. I have come back to India with the award and the love and empathy of the people of Pakistan. This award is for my entire cast and crew that has been part of this amazing journey.”