In Flames”: Pakistan’s Official Entry for the Oscars

The Pakistani Academy Selection Committee (PASC) has put forth the horror masterpiece, ‘In Flames,’ for consideration at the Oscars.

‘In Flames,’ a cinematic brainchild of Zarrar Khan, brought to life by producer Anam Abbas, stands as Pakistan’s chosen contender, setting its sights on the esteemed Academy Awards.

Having its debut at Cannes, this narrative weaves a spine-chilling story within the confines of Karachi, venturing into realms of the supernatural. The storyline gains momentum after a family is struck by a calamity, leading a mother and her daughter into a confrontation with menacing forces, both earthly and ethereal, pushing their grit to the limits. This terrifying journey, navigating through realms seen and unseen, amplifies the film’s haunting essence, securing praise on stages as diverse as TIFF, Sitges, and Busan.

Challenging the Shackles: Cinema Rebels

‘In Flames’ transcends the traditional boundaries of horror, positing itself as a defiant stand against entrenched societal structures, directly contesting the iron grip of patriarchy. It serves as a lighthouse in stormy seas for those facing oppression, echoing a message of comfort across a world riddled with division. Opting for self-distribution within Pakistan, due to local distributors’ reluctance, epitomizes the team’s commitment to their visionary artistry, invigorating spectators with its forthright storytelling.

This film’s journey to the 96th Academy Awards heralds a new dawn for Pakistani cinema, a sentiment articulated by PASC Chairperson Mohammed Ali Naqvi and lauded by the film’s visionary, Zarrar Kahn. In an arena brimming with international cinematic marvels, ‘In Flames’ carves its niche, propelled by the gales of transformation, casting a luminescent trail on Pakistan’s thriving cinematic landscape.