Saqib Malik’s directorial debut, Baaji, is all set to be screened at the Mosaic International South Asian Film Festival (MISAFF), which will be held from the 1st to 4th August in Mississauga.
Saqib Malik will be a part of the MISAFF Chat program that will give audience members a chance to talk to the panel about making their first feature film, and will be joined by other competent filmmakers; Canadian filmmakers Eisha Marjara for Venus, Akash Sherman for Clara, Zana Shammi for Untying the Knot, and Italian filmmaker Phaim Bhuiyan for Bangla.
Meera as Shameera, the lead in Baaji
Talking to CBC Arts, festival director, Arshad Khan mentioned that Baaji is up for a special screening and described the movie as Lollywood masala on the surface level. However, he feels that there’s more to it than what’s marketed. “It’s a very subversive film. The heroes are all women. It’s very feminist and a very self-reflexive film,†said Khan.
Read More: Next generation will remake Baaji, says Meera
Running for the 7th year, MISAFF is committed to breaking stereotypes about South Asian cinema. Khan believes that it is important to showcase strong films to non-South Asian audiences so that they understand that South Asian films are not just about ‘dancing around trees’.
The movie stars Meera in the lead role, and is widely regarded as her comeback. The cast also includes Osman Khalid Butt, Amna Ilyas, Ali Kazmi and Nayyar Ejaz in major roles.
The full schedule of the event is available here.
