Farar premieres at Chicago South Asian Film Festival 2023

‘Farar,’ the latest offering from an Indian channel bringing captivating stories from Pakistan, is set for its world premiere at the 14th annual Chicago South Asian Film Festival (CSAFF) as the ‘Marquee Web Series’ of the festival.

The first collaboration between Applause Entertainment, a venture of the Aditya Birla Group, and Zindagi, owned by Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd, Farar’s global premiere is seen as a strong reinforcement of bridging cross-cultural gaps and creating universally- relatable South Asian content for the diaspora.

Two episodes from the show, based on the themes of friendship, freedom, and hope, will be screened on Saturday, Sep 23, as part of the four-day festival program, according to a media release.

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The premiere will be attended by producers Shailja Kejriwal (juror at International Emmy Awards 2023) and Umnia Iftikhar, director Mehreen Jabbar (Pakistan’s Oscar selection committee), and lead actor Sarwat Gilani (Joyland, Churails).

The six-episode series, also produced by Sameer Nair and Deepak Segal features Mariam Saleem & Maha Hasan, and is set in the sprawling city of Karachi, Pakistan.

Expressing her excitement, lead actor Sarwat Gilani says, “As an actor, being part of Farar has been an incredible journey of exploration and dedication.”

“This show is not just a story for us; it’s a piece of our souls, a representation of the rich emotions that connect us as humans. As Farar gets ready for its premiere at CSAFF, my heart is brimming with happiness,” he says.

“This compelling storyline, delicately weaving the tapestry of female friendships and triumphing over obstacles, is now set to captivate and resonate with audiences worldwide.’’

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Recognized as one of the most prolific directors from Pakistan, director Mehreen Jabbar adds, “I am thrilled to have our series premiere in Chicago.”

“This vibrant city not only has a thriving South Asian diaspora but also houses a festival that has consistently championed diverse genres and formats,” he says.

“In a time marked by divisions and jingoism, it is truly heartwarming to see the convergence of two of the world’s largest South Asian nations, uniting in celebration of the art of storytelling.”

Reflecting on this significant milestone, Chief Creative Officer (Special Projects) Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd., Shailja Kejriwal says, “Personally, nothing gives me greater joy than seeing content from our subcontinent reach a world stage.”

“Farar’s premiere at CSAFF is extra special as it is our first collaboration with Applause Entertainment,” she says. “The potential for South Asian content is unmatched, and we are so thrilled to have such an amazing partner and such brilliant teams on board this journey with us”.

Producer Umnia Iftikhar adds: “Bringing Farar to Chicago South Asian Film Festival is a moment of immense pride and gratitude for our entire team. This show is a labor of love, a convergence of passion and storytelling.”

“As we premiere here amidst the world, we hope Farar resonates with the universal emotions that bind us all. The power of storytelling lies in its ability to bridge cultures and ignite conversations, and we are thrilled to share our narrative with this wonderful audience.”

Presented by Applause Entertainment, a Zindagi original Farar tells the story of three independent women who are navigating the complexities of modern life.

The series highlights the universal human experiences of friendship, love, and personal growth, while simultaneously tackling issues such as societal pressures, identity, taboos, and body shaming.

Earlier this week, Applause Entertainment and Zindagi announced their strategic partnership to energize investment in South Asian content creation that connect with today’s diverse global audience.