The Independent Filmmaker Projects is an independent organization that seeks to connect independent and aspiring filmmakers with prolific film industry professionals. The organization was founded in 1979 by independent filmmakers themselves.
This is not the first time that Dukhtar has successfully attracted international recognition. Previously, Dukhtar was also premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and was also Pakistan’s official entry into the category of Best Foreign Language Film for the 87th Academy Awards yet did not score a nomination.
The issue based feature film has a big name cast with Samiya Mumtaz, Mohib Mirza and veteran Samina Ahmed.. The film is focused on the issue of forced child marriage that is still prevalent in the rural areas of Pakistan. Allah Rakhi (Samiya Mumtaz) is the wife of a much older tribal chief who faces a crisis when she comes to know that her daughter is about to face the same ordeal. In order to settle a rivalry and keep the peace in the village, her husband Daultat Khan (Asif Khan) has struck a deal with the rival chief Tor Gul to provide him with his ten year old daughter Zainab’s (Saleha Aref) hand in marriage. In sheer desperation and no other option available at her disposal, the mother decides to protect her daughter she deems the best way; run away with her. With both Tor Gul’s and Daulat Khan’s fierce henchmen on the road for Allah Rakhi’s and Zainab’s whereabouts, the film is a thriller indeed. On the way, Allah Rakhi meets a truck driver (Mohib Mirza) who must decide whether to mind his own business and be safe or assist the troubled mother and incur the wrath of the powerful tribal chieftains as well.
The team of Dukhtar certainly outdid themselves with this film venture and we hope and pray the film gets all the praise it can from all quarters of the world.
