Renowned Pakistani scriptwriter Bee Gul, director Rafay Rashdi and producer Syed Murad Ali have collaborated on the upcoming short film, ‘Jamun Ka Darakht’, which has garnered recognition at the esteemed Cannes World Film Festival.
Rashdi recently announced on social media that the film has been officially selected for the festival, sharing an official poster adorned with the festival’s laurel. Earlier, he unveiled the film’s intriguing trailer on Instagram, providing viewers with a glimpse into its narrative exploring the complexities of consent between individuals.
The trailer hints at a storyline delving into manipulative dynamics, touching on themes of harassment, assault, and desire, while Bee Gul’s impactful dialogues add depth to the narrative, setting the stage for an emotionally charged cinematic journey.
Featuring acclaimed actor Adnan Siddiqui alongside a talented ensemble cast including Maha Tahirani and Fouzia Aman, ‘Jamun Ka Darakht’ promises to push the boundaries of traditional storytelling. Co-produced by Rafay Rashdi Productions, Syed Murad Ali & Wah Wah Productions, and Faisal Kapadia, the film represents a powerful lineup of talent and creativity.
Director Rafay Rashdi, producer Faisal Kapadia and executive producer Syed Murad Ali previously spoke to Galaxy Lollywood regarding the film, revealing details about the film. Murad Ali had revealed their intention to take the short film to an international film festival. He said, “The focus is to showcase “Pakistani talent and thought-provoking themes.”
Rafay Rashdi explained the story behind the title, saying “The title was written by Bee Gul. Jamun, the fruit, and its pulp can leave stains on clothes that are not easy to remove. Therefore, the profound metaphor addresses stains on oneself that can never be eradicated.”
The conversations surrounding consent, sexual harassment and court cases based on such issues are very timely. When asked if there are any real-life inspirations for this story, Rafay had this to say.
“Certainly, and not quite. Don’t we witness daily debates on gender issues concerning consent and choices? Has there been a definitive answer as to who is right or wrong? No. Therefore, we crafted a subject for which we have left the verdict to be decided by the audience.”
It’s truly exhilarating to witness our entertainment industry’s brilliance showcased on the international stage. We eagerly await the reception of our talent at the esteemed Cannes Film Festival, where they’ll be sharing the spotlight with artists from diverse backgrounds worldwide.
