"Capturing the contrast of the four locations we had selected for this project was a very interesting and revelatory process. It highlighted two entirely different ways of living and engaging with your environment."
"They say walking is the best way to experience an area. That's what I loved about this project, walking along spots across the coast of Karachi allowed us to really absorb the feel of each location."
Amar Ayaz is a filmmaker and writer from Karachi. Having studied film in Melbourne, Australia, where he also served as a writer, director and producer on several indie short films and web series, Amar’s work is reflection of life from various communities with diverse backgrounds and stories. Now back in Pakistan, Amar co-founded PakaStudios with his old friend and collaborator Omer Bashir in 2018.
Omer Bashir
Omer Bashir is a filmmaker and photographer from Karachi, Pakistan. His work often focuses on documenting life in the port city through his lens.
Alien Panda Jury/ Daniel Arthur Panjwaneey
Daniel Arthur Panjwaneey is a producer and independent record label founder. With a career spanning over 20 years he has worked on various musical projects and residencies internationally. Behind the scenes Daniel is also an audio engineer that has worked in the mainstream industry making his experiences intersect back and forth, between the commercial and underground music scene in Pakistan.
Aizaz Sohail
Aizaz Sohail is a classical vocalist and vocal teacher that has been honing his craft since he was six years old. His diverse, yet stable vocal range has earned him recognition among many greats in his discipline and has had the honour of appearing on multiple musical projects including Coke Studio.
Concept
In 'City by the Sea' our intention is to use sights and sounds to portray what life is like for Pakistanis in a seaside city by delving into the relationship between the sea and those who inhabit the adjacent land. Some take it for granted, as an ever- present source of entertainment or an escape from the bustle of the metropolitan city of Karachi, while others rely on it for sustenance and their livelihood, via coastal developments or fisheries. Yet, despite the serene nature of this beautiful source, many abandon their responsibility of nurturing the sea, through rampant pollution and general disregard, while some try and remedy the damage. It is an insight into the highly contrasting nature of the human condition in relation to an environment that is bestowed upon them and how they engage with it, knowing the benefits the sea brings.
