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introduction

ali s jaura

Ali Sohail Jaura (born 1994) is an independent Filmmaker from Karachi, Pakistan. His unique style and creative approach towards storytelling has helped establish himself as a brand when it comes to narrative structure of storytelling and realistic on-screen performances.

Since 2019, he has directed over 70 commercials for local and global brands, including the award-winning films “Arz e Pakistan”, “Dry Leaves”, and “Murder Tongue”.

Ali began his career in the Pakistani media industry and now gives back as a guest speaker and jury member at top institutions and media conventions, inspiring aspiring filmmakers with his journey.

short films

Arz e Pakistan (Land of Pakistan)

The project was inspired by a number of international travel films being made about foreign cities and regions lIke ‘Watchtower of Turkey’, ‘Travel to Hong Kong’, and ‘India’, that astonishingly capture the region’s essence in a short duration of time. Our crew of 8 members traveled more than 6000km to capture the scenic beauty and raw nature of the northern tourist and hiking attractions of Pakistan, which include the major regions of Kashmir, Hunza, Gilgit, Skardu, Swat, Naran, Kaghan, and Fairy Meadows. The purpose of the project was to promote both local and international tourism in the Northern regions of Pakistan, to make people aware of the environmental treasures so that it can be preserved, and bring about the positive and cultural image of Pakistan that is often neglected by the mainstream media.

Awards & Accolades

– Best Adventure Tourism Film at Art&Tur International Tourism Film Festival – 2018 (Portugal)
– Best Travel Film at International Istanbul Tourism Film Festival – 2018 (Turkey)
– Best Nature & Rural Tourism Film at Zagreb Tourism film Festival – 2018 (Croatia)
– Grand Prix Nominee at Committee of Tourism Film Festivals (CIFFT) – 2018 (Austria)
– Best Short film at PTV Green Belief National Film Festival – 2019 (Pakistan)

WATCH

WATCH
Nanu Aur Main (Grandpa and I)

After the death of her parents, Erum (Saboor Ali) goes on to spend her childhood with her loving grandfather (Qavi Khan). The two live happily together until it is time for Erum to pursue studies abroad, and the two bid farewell to each other with heavy hearts, promising to keep in touch through letters. Erum’s life abroad moves further and further away from her grandfather, until she receives a letter from him one day, and realizes it is time for grandfather’s little sparrow to return to her nest.

Awards & Accolades

– Nominee for Best Short Film at Chicago South Asian Film Festival – 2018 (USA)
– Nominee for Best Short Film at Tasveer South Asian Film Festival – 2018 (USA)
– Nominee for Best Short Film at DC South Asian Film Festival – 2019 (USA)

WATCH

WATCH
DRY LEAVES

A day in the lives of residents living in an unknown old house, as seen by a newly admitted Zahida and the dilemma she faces as she spends time with the residents.

Awards & Accolades

– Nominee for Best Short Film at Miami International Short Film Festival – 2019 (USA)
– Special Jury Mention at South Asian Film Festival of Montreal – 2020 (Canada)
– Best International Short Film at Vancouver International South Asian Film Festival – 2021 (Canada)
– Best International Short Film at Smita Patel International Documentary and Short Film Festival – 2021 (India)

WATCH

WATCH
Murder Tongue

It is May of 1992. The state sanctioned “Operation” has put the city of Karachi at constant unrest. Abdul Aziz Ansari wakes up at night and is informed by his daughter in law, Naseema that his son hasn’t returned home. As a knock on their door later at night summons them to the hospital, what they witness along the way is known today as the most brutal chapter of the city’s history, a sentiment of hatred towards their race, deep rooted beneath the system.

Awards & Accolades

– Best International Short Film at Miami Film Festival – 2022 (USA)
– Excellence in Short Filmmaking Award at Asian American International Film Festival – 2022 (USA)
– Best Short Film at Byron Bay International Film Festival – 2022 (Australia)
– Best Short Narrative at Bali International Film Festival – 2022 (Indonesia)
– Audience Choice Award at Figari International Short Film Festival – 2022 (Italy)

WATCH

WATCH
A BETTER PLACE

After being abandoned by her mother on a bus stop in the city of Seoul, 7-year old Jia has nowhere to go. As the night gets darker, she sees light in a stranger, an illegal South Asian immigrant stuck in South Korea after unsuccessfully performing “Donkey Flight”. The unlikely pair survives the night by forming an unusual connection by making brave and at times, difficult choices.