KASHF: The Lifting of the Veil (2008)

[BayNazir]

Pakistan’s First English language film in 30 years

Scenes from movie


KASHF – The Lifting of the Veil is Pakistan’s first English language feature film in 30 years releasing nationwide in Pakistan and India on December 15th 2008. The movie explores the subject of Sufism, the spiritual dimension of Islam through the eyes of one man’s return to his homeland after an absence of 25 years. Ayesha Khan a New York based filmmaker, whose background consists of a BA in Religion and Theatre from Mount Holyoke College, studied at The Eugene O’ Neill Theatre and the NewYork Film Academy. Khan has been actively directing plays and short films in New York Cityand London. KASHF has been directed under the producing title of her New York based company INDUS VALLEY PRODUCTIONS in conjunction with TALKINGFILMAIN based in Pakistan.

KASHF is Khan’s first feature film. Ms. Khan had originally approached the king of Bollywood Shahrukh Khan for the lead role in2004. After discussing the details in Mumbai, due to security reasons they decided to work on a future project.The movie introduces newcomers, Bilal Zaman who plays the lead role. Ali Tariq, Hena Khan, Shireen Zahid, Afifa Nawazish and well-known Pakistani actor Rasheed Naz. The film was shot entirely in the city of Lahore in Pakistan for 28 days with supporting castcomposed of local talent. The production team consisted of professionals hired from theHollywood industry. The soundtrack features original compositions by a Pakistani singer AliSher and costumes designed by acclaimed Pakistani designer Saadia Mirza. KASHF’s promo was screened for film industry professionals at the BERLIN FILMFESTIVAL 2008. Based on the response a major theatrical distribution contract is currently being negotiated for the US.INDUS VALLEY PRODUCTIONS also attended CANNES 2008 and met with investors for its upcoming film LA BOHEME set in India/Pakistan and THE INTERLOPERS set in the US.LA BOHEME has gone into development with Zara Adams (JAMES BOND actress) attachedto play the lead and is slated for production in 2009.

(Source: various)