Donate $50 or more to see this award-winning film; $100 or more to see the film PLUS meet the filmmaker and lead actress online! The film is still banned in Pakistan
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Sarmad Khoosat and starring award-winning actress Samiya Mumtaz, Zindagi Tamasha (Circus Of Life) was Pakistan’s entry for the Oscars 2021. The multiple-award winning film was never released in Pakistan due to protests by the ‘religious’ right.
Contribute to the Sapan fundraiser at this link to support our cause of regionalism, peace, dialogue, and as well as art and culture across borders.
We are thrilled that the multi-talented actor, director and producer Sarmad Khoosat has made his Zindagi Tamasha available to Sapan donors. He will also join donors at an online discussion along with the lovely, talented Samiya Mumtaz who plays the film’s lead female role.
We are grateful to both for taking time out of their busy schedules to join Sapan supporters for an online discussion on Sunday, 23 July 2023.
The story revolves around a respected real estate agent in Lahore, a devout Muslim who writes, composes, and even records ‘naat‘ (hymns praising the Prophet) and tenderly cares for his bedridden wife, the only one who understands him. His life is turned upside down after he dances at the wedding of a friend’s son and a recording makes the social-media rounds. Neigbours and friends start ostracising him. Even his beloved daughter is embarrassed by his ‘vulgar’ behaviour. The film provides a nuanced, heartbreaking picture of challenges in a conservative society and an elderly man’s search for identity.
How to watch:
Donate $50 or more by 9 am Pakistan time, 23 July 2023, for an EXCLUSIVE link to watch the film at your convenience from 21 July to 23 July. (Screening ends at 7 pm Pakistan / 7.30 pm India on 23 July.)
how to join the discussion:
Donate $100 or more by 9 am Pakistan time, 23 July 2023, for access to the film PLUS invitation to join Sarmad Khoosat and Samiya Mumtaz online, Sunday, 23 July 2023, 10.30 am ET / 7.30 pm Pakistan / 8 pm India / 8.30 pm Bangladesh.
Movie link and password will be sent in 2-4 hours to the email address you use in the ‘Donate’ link.
See the video of a recent fun, thought-provoking, sometimes moving conversation: Sarmad Khoosat with journalists Mandira Nayar in Delhi, Malinda Seneviratne in Colombo, and Lubna Jerar Naqvi in Karachi.
The discussion, hosted by poet Dr Arvinder Chamak in Amritsar, kicked off Sapan’s first fundraiser, being continued this week. We are grateful for all the support and good wishes coming our way.
Sarmad Khoosat’s feature films Joyland and Kamli (2022), Zindagi Tamasha (2019), and Manto (2015) and super-hit Pakistani television dramas Humsafar and Shehr-e-Zaat have earned him a reputation as one of of Southasia’s finest filmmakers. We are grateful to him for generously sharing his time and thoughts with us.
Southasia Peace Action Network 
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