NATARI

NATARI (2021)

Directed by Haroon Riaz and Jawad Sharif

Genre: Documentary

Duration: 45 minutes

Language: Sindhi, Urdu

Country of Production: Pakistan

Year of Release: 2021

Color

Digital HD 16:9

Long Synopsis:

The wilderness of the Indus Delta amid the creeks where the freshwater of River Indus supposedly meets the Arabian Sea, the island of Kharo Chan sits right on the edge of the coastal district of Thatta in the Sindh province. Only about 20 families are left on the deserted island, the bulk of the population of which has already migrated to mainland towns such as Karachi, Thatta, and the closest town Bhagaan. This is the story of fisherman, artist, and political activist Ayoub Sehto who is vocal but helpless about the tightening noose of climate change, forcing him to gasp for air by dreaming about migrating to the mainland where he could offer better education and a better life to his children and extended family. But most of all, worthy employment and happiness to Ayaz Gul Sehto, his educated eldest son.

Ayaz, who holds a bachelor’s degree, finds himself out of the place on the family’s fishing boat and under the influence of his authoritative father, since his labor helps the family earn its livelihood. Ayaz, perhaps even more than his father, feels that his life could be much better working in a city, perhaps in a factory. He believes that his friends are across the river too, and the island does not offer much to live for anyway. With a concern for better education, healthcare, and other living facilities for the family, both Ayaz and Ayoub want to migrate to the mainland like many of their expatriates. But their vision for doing so may not necessarily go with the other.

Natari, literally anchor of the boat in the Sindhi language, tells the story of the potential conflict caused by climate migration and its impact on local communities and families such as that of Ayoub Sehto in the Indus Delta region.

Short Synopsis

Natari, literally anchor of the boat in the Sindhi language, tells the story of the potential conflict caused by climate migration and its impact on local communities and families such as that of fisherman and political activist Ayoub Sehto in the Indus Delta region.

Logline

Fisherman, artist, and political activist Ayoub Sehto and his educated son are stranded with their family on the inhospitable island of Kharo Chan in the shrinking and sinking Indus Delta, void of drinking water and fishing opportunities due to climate change, and struggle to migrate to a mainland city for a better life.