Pakistan Arts Council Shows Ramchand Pakistani
By Anila Ali
Pictures courtesy of Annie Athar

Members of the Pakistan-American community who saw the movie Ramchand
Pakistani at the Pacific Asia Museum

“We need the help of all Pakistanis in bringing an exhibition called Beyond the Page. This exhibition is a ‘new miniature movement’ showcasing eleven miniature artists, Pakistani artists. Our aim is to spread an awareness about our culture and this will be the perfect way to show that we are progressive, forward thinking Pakistanis connected to our roots. This exhibition will be here in the spring of 2010.” So said Ayesha Kamran, President, Pakistan Arts Council.

In an attempt to raise money for the upcoming exhibition Beyond the Page, the Pakistan Arts Council showed the movie, Ramchand Pakistani, at the Pacific Asia Museum on Sunday March 15, 2009. The Pakistani Youth Association student volunteers enthusiastically sold many tasty finger foods and, of course, dhoodh patti chai, was also served to keep movie-watchers warm on a cold California day.

Ramchand Pakistani by Mehreen Jabbar is a serious movie based on a true story of a seven-year-old Pakistani boy and his father belonging to the untouchable Hindu caste who accidentally cross the border and spend years in an Indian jail while the mother on the other side doesn't know what has happened to them.

“It’s a tale that touches your heart,” said one viewer. “This is a perspective we’ve not seen before,” said a retired Museum patron.

The showing was so successful that the PAC may consider doing another fundraiser movie-show. Another upcoming event is a Family Free Day on June 6 and book talk by Reza Aslan on June 14.

For further details visit the Museum website:

To donate, please contact: ayeshashahidk@yahoo.com

 

 

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