Pakistan Oscar Entry, Cannes Title ‘In Flames,’ Unveils Trailer Ahead of North American Theatrical Release (EXCLUSIVE)
11.03.2024 - 19:21
/ variety.com
Naman Ramachandran Zarrar Kahn‘s acclaimed psychological thriller film “In Flames” has unveiled a trailer ahead of its North American theatrical release. The film bowed at Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight in 2023 and played at several global festivals including Toronto, Pingyao and Red Sea, where it won the top prize. It was Pakistan‘s entry to the Oscars’ international category.
“In Flames” follows Mariam lives with her younger brother and their mother, Fariha, in a tiny apartment in Karachi. When Mariam’s maternal grandfather passes, his brother tries to manipulate them into signing over their apartment to him, a common occurrence in Pakistan, where women’s property rights are fragile. Mariam’s mother, grieving and isolated, is easy to influence.
Mariam, distraught by her mother’s foolishness, finds solace in a secret romance with a fellow student, Asad. When their relationship takes an unexpected turn, Mariam becomes consumed by nightmares. Meanwhile, her mother, caught between her coercive uncle and a murky legal system, is oblivious to her daughter’s deteriorating mental state.
Mariam’s nightmares begin to bleed into reality. The film stars Ramesha Nawal, Omar Javaid, Bakhtawar Mazhar, Adnan Shah Tipu, Mohammad Ali Hashmi and Jibran Khan. It is produced by Anam Abbas and Hamza bangash and executive produced by Shant Joshi, Todd Brown and Maxime Cottray.