This story is from December 10, 2014

Pak film on gender violence wows audience

The Pakistani film, Dukhtar (daughter), will be screened for the second time at the Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes) on Wednesday
Pak film on gender violence wows audience
Bengaluru: A movie from across the border seems to have captured the imagination of film buffs and technicians alike. The Pakistani film, Dukhtar (daughter), will be screened for the second time at the Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes) on Wednesday.
Directed by Afia Nathaniel, the women-centric movie has become the filmgoer’s delight, thanks to its novel script and tight narration coupled with stellar cinematography.

Filmmaker B Suresha describes it as haunting. “Pakistan is such a beautiful country. I can’t believe that such a thing can happen in their society. The director, being a woman, is able to convey gender violence more effectively than men,” he says.
Dukhtar is about a woman who flees with her 10-year-old daughter to save her from becoming a child bride. The daring escape triggers a relentless hunt. When their pursuers close in on them, they meet a truck driver who offers them hope. The trio embarks on a journey through Pakistan where the quest for love and freedom comes at a price.
Kuntady Nitesh, a movie buff and an employee of HIS Inc, gushes over the Pakistani perspective in Dukhtar. “The movie with child marriage as its underlying theme explores the contradictory male and female mindsets to it. The director has effectively portrayed the emotions of the mother and child — anger, pain and innocence,” he said.
Pointing out that gender violence was a global phenomenon, K S Vimala, vice-president, Janavadi Mahila Sanghatane, had a word of praise for Afia. “The director has handled the story and narration in an excellent manner. There is no glorification of unnecessary sequences. It is a must-watch for audiences, especially students,’’ said Vimala.
Cinematographer Ravikumar Sana says that a number of movies may have explored the subject but the emotions that Dukhtar evoked in him are unique. “The portrayal of the problem is astonishing. Only a woman director can handle such subjects very well,’’ said Sana.
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