The media landscape worldwide is undergoing a paradigm shift; the content is going digital, gender stereotypes are being thrown out of the window and audience demographics are changing left, right and center. The communication gap between the celebrities and their audience is reducing withe every passing day and the film/drama makers are now aware of the fact that they can no longer trick the audience into watching whatever and whenever. Amidst all of this, the role of women in the world in general and in the industry, in particular is getting more and more pronounced. However, there still remain a few gaps that need to be filled. The ever talented Sarwat Gilani is of the view that despite having female writers, we still do not have enough dramas that are pro-women.
Sarwat Gilani, therefore, along with Sanam Saeed, Mahira Khan and Aamina Sheikh is all set to start a “film collective” for women where films will be made ‘on women, for women, and by women.’
While talking to Galaxy Lollywood, Sarwat Gilani had a lot to say on what exactly happens when someone tries to make something that deviates from the tried and tested formulas, without a safety net of big, crowd-drawing stars.
“I feel it’s quite unfortunate that when you approach powerful production houses and investors, with a script on women, you’re instantly posed with questions like “Film Mai Hero Kaun Hoga?” etc. It’s a deep level of discrimination. The audience in Pakistan, unfortunately, still has a mindset that dictates that only a hero can pull crowds to the theaters,” told Sarwat Gilani.
“We have a bundle of great ideas but with no takers, unfortunately. People are not willing to learn and experiment. Everyone just wants to play safe. Sadly, we only have a handful of people left in the society who actually think about breaking stereotypes practically, while most of them are just busy in making speeches on women and empowerment,” Sarwat further added.
Sarwat told Galaxy Lollywood that her, Mahira, Sanam and Aamina get along really well, not just as friends but as contemporaries too.
“We share creative instincts and our ideas are almost always on the same page. Now, in order to eradicate myths around being a heroine, her star power, her shelf life and her ability to bring in business, we have planned to start a “film collective” for women where films will be made on women, for women, and by women. We are working on giving it to a proper and a willing platform,” told Sarwat.
Towards the end, Sarwat revealed a few details about the upcoming project, “We initially plan to start with four films only. From producers and directors, to actors, publicists and camera operators, we’ll have women do the most of work. We believe that the films are a reflection of our social structures and this is an attempt at changing those social structures by making them more women- friendly.”
Here’s wishing Sarwat Gilani and her fellows the best of luck, for this upcoming project!
