Daily Times

Passion is what drove siblings Hania and Kamil Chima to produce one of Pakistan’s most anticipated films of 2019, the thriller ‘Laal Kabootar’. Haider Rifaat met the dynamic duo in Islamabad to talk about their feature film debut.

Can you tell me how did you commence your professional journey together?

Kamil: Hania and I went to college together and thought we would make a good team. It was then that we decided to move to Pakistan. Hania had some experience in film so we set up a production house three years ago and many good things have happened since.

Hania: I can’t say there is much of a journey to begin with as it is our first film. We raised investments, which was a basic goal leading to bigger problems (laughs). Finding a team, writing a script, working with collaborative mediums, managing creative conflicts and making a final product come together as a cohesive whole was a crazy experience! I am glad it is over!

What was your family environment like as children?

Hania: We had a supportive family that encouraged us to try something new and never worry about grades. That significant part of our childhood reflects in our work ethic.

Kamil: Prior to college, our father said to us that I will never ask you about your grades but what you learnt. As you probed, are you nervous about the film; I would be if I were worried about the result.

How would you describe each other?

Hania: Interesting! Well, he can’t admit his mistakes. Kamil likes to keep things moving while I am more careful about making a decision and ensuring nothing goes wrong.

Kamil: Measured twice, cut once! She overthinks a lot but that is a part of a greater thought process.

Hania, you had a brief stint as an actor. Why did you discontinue?

I began acting very early on in my life. I was 13 years old when I gave my first theater performance. I transitioned into professional stage acting at 16 years with Ajoka Theater. I sorted out my hours balancing school and theater. I experienced the excitement and cheerfulness of the crowd but got over it. I wanted to venture into something where I could exercise control. As an actor, you lack that quality because you have to follow the instructions given to you. You can interpret but not create a character.

Let’s talk about ‘Laal Kabootar’ .What theme does the film tackle?

Kamil: In our trailer, we surprise you with four flash words; greed, power, revenge and Karachi. We have three main characters driving the story and they carry these flaws with them. The plot is complicated because of these traits. We will surely perplex the audience through the movie.

How would you categorise the movie?

It is a mix of thriller, suspense and drama.

Is it an independent production picture?

Kamil: Nehr Ghar has produced the film. It is our company. GEO Network, Cinepax and Footprint are our media and distribution partners.

What reaction do you hope to bring about in the audience with this film? How would you want the audience to respond?

Hania: Good question! I would want them to come out feeling as if they connected to the characters in some way or in every way. In our brief feedbacks regarding the film, people had hoped for a longer run time to stay connected with the characters. That is exactly what I want to hear!

Kamil: Ditto!

Are you satisfied with the overall product you have created?

Kamil: We are very happy! Hania and I started writing the script in 2016 and worked on it up until 2018. We wrapped the shoot last year. There was a lot of time for us to not just edit but also think about its concept and framework.

Are you nervous considering that it is your first film as producers?

Hania: Not really — we are not under any pressure. As new producers, what we have done so far will set people’s expectations of our work. It will be more nerve-wracking next time around!

‘SherDil’ is releasing on the same weekend as ‘Laal Kabootar’. Do you ever feel conscious that your film may conflict with another movie?

Hania: I think it is best that ‘SherDil’ is coming out on the same day. I would have been happier if ‘Project Ghazi’ released with our film too but they changed their date. People only view it as a glass half full. What they often miss is that our cinema culture has depreciated in the absence of Indian movies. We want to revive that culture. One film just won’t cut it! At least two films competing with each other will get this industry going. Our film is at an advantage if we are releasing it with the others. I view it from that lens. An industry can only do well if there is competition.

Convince the viewers why they should watch ‘Laal Kabootar’.

It is different, fresh and it is Pakistani films telling the world that we are here to stay.