By Sangeeta Kumar

“Fourteen-hour load-shedding, suicide bombings by the dozen, military operations, judicial crises and assassinations. Yet we smile, we persevere. That is the spirit of Pakistan and its people. Made in Pakistan aims to reflect this characteristic through the lives of four extraordinary individuals.” - ‘Made in Pakistan’ director, Nasir Khan.

Amitabh Bachchan’s film couldn't match the buzz that Khan’s documentary created at the 6th Annual South Asian International Film Festival.








Propelled by a cover story in Newsweek in Oct 2007 labeling Pakistan, “the most dangerous place in the world”, ‘Made in Pakistan’ seeks to dispel the prevailing perceptions of Pakistanis in the West.

Set against the backdrop of the declaration of a state of emergency it aims at projecting a multifaceted society where politics, fashion, religion, law and tradition intersect by following the lives of four working professionals.
- Rabia Aamir: working mother and journalist
- Waleed Khalid: religious, articulate and secular lawyer
- Tara Mahmood: event and PR manager
- Mohsin Warraich: aspiring politician

At the outset the film does beg the obvious question about the decision to follow the lives of an obviously priveleged class of individuals. According to Executive Producer, Ayesha Khan, this was an educated decision since target audiences in the West would be more inclined to identify with them.

The subjects deserve kudos for their veracity and openness sans 'schmaltz', especially in light of the trajectory of events. Director Khan's focus is keen. He does not attempt to break down political reality nor does he present a call to action.

If one can set aside the question, “Why does a western perception matter so much?” what you get is a tasteful chronicling of everyday lives of young urban people as a means to initiating discussion.

"Made in Pakistan” is the first documentary ever to be released theatrically in Pakistan, with a release to follow soon in the UK, courtesy of Mara Pictures (www.marapictures.com). For now, it is a favorite on the festival circuit, with the Cancun and Mumbai festivals up next.