After the success of Pakistani movies like ‘Khuda key Liey’ and ‘Bol’ both nationally and internationally, we are more than excited to give you guys the latest info on an upcoming movie ‘Lamha’ (publicised as ‘Seedlings’ in English internationally). Well, the great news is that this  Pakistani feature film by a relatively new production company, Bodhicitta Works has been officially selected to screen in competition at the prestigious New York City International Film Festival (NYCIFF) this August from 9 to 16. Isn’t that just amazing guys?

Produced by Meher Jaffri and Summer Nicks of Bodhicitta Works, and directed by debutant Mansoor Mujahid, ‘Lamha’ will have its World Premiere at the NYCIFF. The film is intended to release theatrically in Pakistan later this year.

The movie starring Aamina Sheikh, Mohib Mirza and Gohar Rasheed, revolves around three lives that are bound together by a devastating accident, in an intricately woven story of loss, forgiveness and redemption. The characters face the terrifying prospect of piecing together the semblance of normal life.

The musical score of the film has been composed by 21-year-old Usman Riaz and features vocals by Zoe Viccaji. The rest of the movie comprises of classic songs by the renowned Mehdi Hasan in a tribute to the late Ghazal singer.

Festival Director of NYCIFF, Roberto Rizzo said, “As French poet Lamartine wrote, ‘There is one missing and the whole world is empty’: the movie is about how to overcome this emptiness. Mansoor Mujahid treats this sensitive subject in the most subtle way, and the performance of Aamina Sheikh as a devastated mother makes it extraordinarily moving.”

Sharing their experience, Mohib Mirza and Aamina Sheikh said, “This working experience was tremendous. The production company’s thorough and detailed pre-production process, dynamic and effective rehearsals, tight team-work, professional follow-up, cast and crew treatment, level of mutual respect and realistic scheduling was nothing short of impressive. The project getting international recognition at the NYCIFF is surely a reflection of such unwavering commitment and dedication of all those who literally lived every moment of ‘Lamha’. We feel that this is just the start of making a difference and creating opportunities.”

- M. J