On Thurs., Feb. 9, executive producer Ayesha Khan, who also directed “Kashf: Lifting of the Veil,” presented her hour-long documentary “Made in Pakistan” to students and faculty at Plymouth State University.
The screening is part of “Caravanserai: A place where cultures meet,” what Barry describes as “a national pilot program designed to establish greater understanding between American and Muslim societies by showcasing the diversity of Islamic art and culture.”
“PSU has a very special connection with many educators Pakistan,” says Jane Barry, who worked to bring the documentary to Plymouth and is involved with many international student affairs.
The film followed four Pakistani individuals through their daily lives, while they were under a state of emergency.
Though the state of emergency wasn’t planned to be a part of the film, Khan still kept the cameras rolling. There was even a point when she asked her filming crew if they should continue with the film.
She did continue with it, though she maintained that her crew was “always focused on the people that they were following.”
Each of them was involved in different aspects of work in Pakistani culture. One of Khan’s subjects worked in politics, showing how certain elections work for their country and how involved candidates are with the people they’re in charge of taking care of.
Khan also followed an editor, who created a magazine for the purpose of entertaining and educating the Pakistani youth, and a lawyer who taught students at a college, having them think about who they were electing and how much of a difference they would really make in their country.
Khan’s fourth featured Pakistani was a woman who plans out major events. This time it was for an upcoming fashion show.
Khan’s in-depth filming showed more than just their careers; she took viewers into their homes, introduced them to her subjects’ family and friends, while exploring the international connections Pakistan shares with our own country and many others.
“This film does an outstanding job of breaking down stereotypes that we are often bombarded with through various forms of media,” said Barry. “It is important to learn that, just like it is wrong to place stereotypes on Americans, there are no Middle Eastern stereotypes.”
After the film, Khan opened up the floor to discussion. “So what do we think of Pakistan now?” she asked. She then proceeded to answer most of the many questions that were asked, while she further enlightened students on the real Pakistan and its people.
“Pakistan has a rich and vibrant culture and this film brings that out in a thoughtful and provocative manner,” said Barry, who referred to Khan as being among “some of the most exciting and dynamic artists from the Muslim world.”