Writer-Director Hamza Bangash is no stranger to film festivals. He has previously sent in the films “Dia” (2018) and “Stray Dogs Come Out at Night” (2020) to the Locarno, and Palm Springs Film Festival, respectively. Now, another short film by Bangash, “1978”, is heading to the Locarno Film Festival.
What is “1978” About?
The poster itself speak volumes about what the film will show. The vibrant night club scene that was a feature of Karachi’s night life is shown in full bloom. Alcohol lines the shelves while the youth sport hippie fashion under the crimson disco lights.
The film focuses on a young Goan Christian rock star named Lenny D’Souza, who is struggling to reinvent himself while Pakistan’s society is changing drastically. Conservative fervour is gripping the nation . Freedom of expression, creativity, and art are all under attack. Lenny must “decide if he can change with the times”.
The film’s plot is inspired by Norman D’Souza, a legendary Goan Christian rock star in Pakistan from the 70s. Hamza Bangash calls him “Uncle Norman” affectionately and considers it a privilege to tell the story of lost culture inspired by Mr. D’Souza’s experiences.
“1978” Was Hamza Bangash’s Secret Project
The film is quite clearly a passion project, as well as a secret project. The team has recorded original songs, enlisted non-actors, and built a disco to create the ethos of the time. Bangash waxes lyrical about the Karachi of the past as well, mourning that it’s a city “that no longer exists.” He credits his executive producers Rashid Maqsood Hamidi and Abid Aziz Merchant who “made this film happen”.
Already, the film has been nominated for the prestigious Pardino d’oro award for Best International Short Film and the Pardino d’argento as well. The Locarno Film Festival takes place from 5-15 August. We at PakistaniCinema.Net, wish Hamza Bangash and his team the very best.
“1978” stars Muhammad Zeeshan as Lenny D’Souza, Rubya Chaudhry as Dina, theater veteran Naveed Kamal as AJ, the disco manager, and Sherwyn Anthony as Thomas D’Souza. The film’s music is being provided by Clifford Lucas. The film has been produced by Carol Ann and written and directed by Hamza Bangash.
