Verna

Director: Shoaib Mansoor Cast: Mahira Khan, Haroon Shahid, Rasheed Naz Pakistan, 158 mins, 2017, Urdu

A harrowing ordeal, a lack of justice serviced, and a tireless quest to take things into one’s own hands within a system designed to uphold the rich and powerful. When it comes to holding up a mirror up to society, there’s little doubt that anyone can do it better than Pakistani director Shoaib Mansoor. His Verna, a social drama starring Mahira Khan and debutant Haroon Shahid, is a powerful call to action for those who wronged by the system who are deprived of their right to justice. Due to its difficult yet deeply relevant subject matter, the film faced severe pushback from the Pakistani censor board and we are thankful to include it in this year’s line up to help spread the powerful message of the film.

This screening will be followed by a Q&A session with special guest Mahira Khan, and will be preceded by the short film Unsilencing Sabeen.

Sabeen Mahmud, a leading human rights activist and social worker, was shot dead in Karachi in April 2015. Mahmud was recognised as one of the most courageous and socially aware women of Pakistan and while many are still coming to terms with her death, Unsilencing Sabeen seeks to capture her inspirational journey and life. At a time when female activists and journalists are being frightfully silenced across the world because of their courage to take a stand and speak up, Unsilencing Sabeen is a deeply important film and was recently screened at the WOW Women of the World Festival.

Ticket Price: £20.00