Growing acclaim for Gunjal’s impactful storytelling and advocacy for ending child labour
Nighat Akbar Shah is a rising film producer who uses cinema to inspire activism and empower marginalized communities through her company Adur Productions. Her award-winning feature Gunjal, establishes her as an advocate who lends voice for the voiceless.
Witnessing child labour in her youth motivated Nighat’s lifelong dedication to empowering marginalized communities and enacting positive change in society.
Gunjal tells the compelling story of Iqbal Masih, an activist who fought against child labour in his community. By dramatizing his experience, the film brings much needed attention to an ongoing issue.
Another topic that is stigmatized in many countries, is mental health, which Nighat tackles in her sensitive award-winning short Darya Kay Iss Paar. By promoting understanding and dialogue, she aims to dismantle social taboos.
“Cinema can be a powerful conduit for societal progress,” says Nighat. “I hope that Gunjal’s depiction of injustice will spark the questioning of norms and motivate grassroots action towards a fairer world for everyone, especially children.”
Directed by Shoaib Sultan and starring acclaimed actors, Ahmed Ali Akbar, Resham, Amna Ilyas, Ahmed Ali Butt, and Syed Muhammad Ali, Gunjal transports audiences to empathic experiences, and solidarity with vulnerable groups.
Through determined filmmaking driven by purpose over profit, Adur Productions continues to shape compassionate change with impactful stories like Gunjal. Nighat welcome social impact entities to support her efforts towards promoting greater equality.
Gunjal (Entangled) was screened at Ganges Sur Seine Film Festival Paris, France, and is due to be shown in screened in Toulouse, France as part of the Ganges Sur Seine festival.
The film has also been selected to screen at the Asian Film Festival Barcelona, which in its 14th edition, is one of the largest Asian film events in Europe. The selection of Gunjal is expected to give it exposure before international cinephiles and industry insiders.
