Mumbai: A riveting story of human emotions, Farar is set for its grand world premiere at the prestigious 14 Annual Chicago South Asian Film Festival 2023 as the Marquee web series of the festival. The first collaboration under the landmark partnership of Applause Entertainment and Zindagi, Farar’s global premiere is a strong reinforcement of bridging cross-border gaps and creating universally relatable South Asian content.
The show based on the themes of friendship, freedom and hope is directed by Mehreen Jabbar & will be screened on Saturday, 23 September as part of the four-day festival program. The premiere will be attended by producers Shailja Kejriwal and Umnia Iftikhar, director Mehreen Jabbar and lead actress Sarwat Gilani. The series also 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’23, my heart is brimming with happiness. This compelling storyline, delicately weaving the tapestry of female friendships and triumphing over obstacles, is now set to captivate and resonate with audiences worldwide.’’
Recognised 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. 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, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd.'s chief creative officer (special projects), Shailja Kejriwal said, “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. 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 added “Bringing Farar to Chicago South Asian Film Festival is a moment of immense pride and gratitude for our entire team. This show is a labour 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, a six-part series, 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, in a groundbreaking move, Applause Entertainment and Zindagi announced their strategic partnership to energise investment in South Asian content creation that connects with today’s diverse global audience.
