Sandstorm

Synopsis

Zara, a schoolgirl in Karachi (Pakistan), shares a sensual dance video with her virtual boyfriend, who then blackmails her. Caught between his manipulative behaviour and the desire to experience love on her own terms, Zara searches for the strength to reject the confines of a patriarchal society.

Director Biography

Seemab Gul is an award-winning writer/director and producer from Pakistan. She is an alumna of the Locarno OD Producers Lab, Biennale College Cinema and Berlinale Talents, and a graduate of the London Film School. Her documentary Zahida, was broadcast on Al Jazeera and won the Audience Award at Tasveer SAFF. Her films have screened in Uppsala, FNC Montreal, Dok Leipzig, Sheffield Doc Fest, Geneva Contemporary Art Centre and many international festivals. Her short film Sandstorm (Mulaqat) premiered at the 78th Venice International Film Festival and in competition at Sundance 2022.