Jawad Sharif’s Bhashaili Premieres at Indus Valley School
Bhashaili, a documentary by Jawad Sharif Films, was recently screened at the Indus Valley School (IVS) of Art and Architecture as part of the exhibition Kaghazi Kashtiyan: The Pakistani Bengali Story.
Bhashaili , a Bangla word which means Adrift, brings viewers into the vibrant neighborhoods of Karachi, home to a resilient community of Pakistani Bengalis with deep ties to the sea. Through intimate portrayals of individuals like Shahid Shah—a young entrepreneur navigating life and business despite a blocked identity card—and Advocate Farzana, who fights for legal rights in court, the film captures the community’s struggle for recognition and belonging.
The film also follows Muna Bhai, a proud Pakistani Bengali who cherishes his heritage and teenage gymnasts Sonya and Anwara from Machhar Colony.
Following the screening, a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Maria Rashid introduced the audience to both the subjects and creators of Bhashaili.
Dr. Humera Iqbal, the chief researcher, noted that the documentary was born from a desire to reach a wider audience with their findings, making the issue of identity accessible and impactful.
Director Jawad Sharif shared his emotional connection to the film’s subjects, describing his mission to tell a deeply human story that reflects the soul of this ongoing crisis. “I feel blessed to know these people,” he said, “who are truly living this film.”
The screening and discussion brought much-needed attention to the Pakistani Bengali community’s quest for recognition, with audience members and panelists alike moved by the film’s sensitive portrayal of this critical issue.
The film is directed and produced by Jawad Sharif in collaboration with Dr. Humera Iqbal, Syeda Kashmala, and Dr. Anushay Malik. It is based on research by Dr. Iqbal, Dr. Malik, Dr. Maria Rashid, and Arooj Aurangzeb, highlighting the lives of Pakistani Bengalis who continue to face systemic obstacles around citizenship and identity.
Source: Dawn
Read more about it here: https://www.dawn.com/news/1755644
