Saans: A Glimpse into Our Polluted Future – Short Film Screening and Panel Discussion

Saans is an animated short film set in a dystopian future where cities are shrouded in relentless air pollution, and clean air has become the most coveted resource. As air pollution reaches catastrophic levels, citizens are driven to desperate measures to secure their next breath. In this haunting narrative, the film explores the lengths to which humanity will go to survive, raising poignant questions about our relationship with the environment and the cost of neglecting our planet.

This film screening will be followed by a panel discussion.

Discussants:

• Arieb Azhar:
  Arieb is an acclaimed musician/producer and a pioneer in interpreting Punjabi Sufi poetry for contemporary audiences. He has performed on the leading music platforms of the country, including three seasons of Coke Studio, as well as toured abroad widely. Arieb also co-founded the Music Mela Festival of Islamabad and established the Art Langar Festival platform. Between 2018 and 2020, he was director of T2F (The Second Floor), Karachi’s renowned cultural café, during which time he curated the third edition of Creative Karachi Festival. Arieb has also produced several documentary films, including award-winning feature ‘Indus Blues’ about Pakistan’s endangered musical instruments, and was featured in US-Pakistan film ‘Without Shepherds’. Last year, Arieb wrote and produced a theatre play ‘The Rivers Daughter’ which won wide critical acclaim after its debut run in Karachi and Hyderabad. Presently, he is working on a book on the music of Pakistan.
  
• Ozma Mushtaque:
  A writer, poet, filmmaker, and performing artist, who uses her work to explore the depth of human emotions and address pressing societal issues. Her film on climate change, highlights the urgent need for serious action on climate change. She is also dedicated to advocating for women’s empowerment, encouraging youth participation, and using her creativity to make a meaningful impact through both writing and film.
  
• Ameera Adil:
  Ameera Adil was until recently the Head of Sustainability at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST). She is a climate change communicator and activist and also runs her own organization, Strategic Foresight for Pakistan. She believes that climate change education and action needs to be localized and contextualized for Pakistan and other developing countries. She is currently working with the parent organization (strafasia) on a concept called Climate Deterrence. She has experience working in the development sector of Pakistan and has a background in Environmental Engineering and a master’s degree in Development Studies and Climate Change.

Moderator:

• Osama Malik:
  Osama Malik is an advocate with a keen interest in arts, culture, and environmental issues. He brings a multifaceted perspective to his work, blending his legal expertise with a passion for the humanities and a commitment to environmental sustainability.

This session is free and open to all. Just visit the venue to attend it.

The Black Hole
Plot 5H, Street 100, G-11/3, Islamabad.
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