Oscars Snub For Pakistani Horror Film In Flames
The anticipation for the upcoming 96th Oscars ceremony soared as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently unveiled shortlists in 10 categories. Greta Gerwig’s inventive meta-comedy, “Barbie,” took the spotlight with five mentions, encompassing various categories like sound and original song submissions featuring artists such as Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, Mark Ronson, and Andrew Wyatt. The film also boasts an original score from the latter duo.
In the international feature category, anticipated contenders like the U.K.’s “The Zone of Interest” and Spain’s “Society of the Snow” secured spots, while the absence of notable entries like Romania’s “Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World” and Chile’s “The Settlers” didn’t go unnoticed. Unfortunately, Pakistan’s official entry, “In Flames,” directed by Zarrar Kahn and produced by Anam Abbas, failed to make the shortlist.
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Chosen by the Pakistani Academy Selection Committee (PASC), “In Flames” presents a chilling horror narrative set in Karachi. The story unfolds after the demise of a family head, where a mother and daughter grapple with disrupted lives haunted by both tangible and spectral entities.
Although “In Flames” missed the Oscars shortlist, it’s noteworthy for representing Pakistani cinema globally. PASC Chairperson Mohammed Ali Naqvi expressed pride in the film’s selection, highlighting its brilliance and contribution to the evolving narrative of Pakistani cinema.
Director Zarrar Kahn conveyed his honor at the film’s recognition by Pakistan’s Oscar committee, emphasizing its significance despite challenges in local distribution. Despite not making the Oscars shortlist, “In Flames” has garnered acclaim at prestigious film festivals worldwide, serving as a poignant call to action against patriarchy while championing community resilience and standing as a powerful testament to Pakistan’s cinematic prowess.
