The unfulfilled creative promise and potential of Southasia through art and film

Posted on June 19, 2025 by beenasarwar

Among the insights gained during the panel discussion after the exhibition walkthrough and documentary screening was the similarity between the creative arts and good journalism: Both involve masses of research, and are rooted in being exploratory, observational, and non-judgmental, rather than agenda-driven.

Personal Political

By Beena Sarwar / Sapan News

Manmeet K. Walia introducing the (Un)Layering the future past of South Asia: Young artists’ voices‘ exhibit as part of a special event organised by the Bloomsbury Institute London last week. Photo by Beena Sarwar.

The idea of a ‘Young Southasian Artists’ exhibition struck a chord when acclaimed Lahore-based artist and educator Salima Hashmi mentioned it some years ago, after writer and curator Manmeet K. Walia from New Delhi approached her about it.

Salima Hashmi, known for her creativity and longstanding commitment to peace, democracy and human rights, is also a founder member and advisor for the Southasia Peace Action Network which nearly 90 of us launched online in March 2021. Her lifetime of hard work, struggle, and consistency stand apart from the legacy she inherited from her illustrious father, the celebrated poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz.

When Prof. Hashmi and Ms. Walia presented their then under-production show at the Faiz Festival in Lahore, 2024, what stood out was the creativity and courage they were showcasing.

Continue reading →

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Boston area screening of ‘Democracy in Debt’ documentary, Sunday 24 November

Posted on November 22, 2024 by beenasarwar

COMMUNITY INVITE: If you are in the Boston area, you are invited to a screening of my documentary film ‘Democracy in Debt: Sri Lanka Beyond the Headlines’ (25 min), followed by a discussion, at the Cambridge Public Library on Sunday 24 November, 2-4 pm. If you are not here or unable to join, please tell people you know who might like to:

‘Democracy in Debt: Sri Lanka Beyond the Headlines’ 
A film by Beena Sarwar
Sunday 24 November, 2-4 pm
At Cambridge Public Library.

 Trailer: ‘Democracy in Debt: Sri Lanka Beyond the Headlines’ 

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The film will be followed by a discussion moderated by Pratyush Bharati of the Boston South Asian Coalition. Discussants include Bangladesh origin activist Hayat Imam of the Massachusetts Peace Action, Sri Lankan human rights lawyer Thyagi Ruwapathirana, a fellow at the Harvard Law School, and the filmmaker Beena Sarwar, a journalist and peace activist from Pakistan.

The film, supported by the Pulitzer Center, has been screened in over 60 locations in some 16 countries across 5 continents so far, followed by engaged discussions on the issues it raises. More information here. 

The event is free and open to the public. RSVP here.

Hosted by the Southasia Peace Action Network and Sapan News Network in collaboration with the Boston South Asian Coalition and South Asia Center, Boston

Those wishing to watch the film through the Global Community Screenings series are welcome to participate by filling in the form at this link. 

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Filed under: Culture, Progressive politics, Resistance, Southasia | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Aur Nikle.nge Ushhaq ke Qafley – my documentary film on Dr Sarwar and DSF

Posted on May 26, 2011 by beenasarwar

Ok, I finally uploaded the 30 min film on Democratic Students’ Association to the web Aur Nikle.nge Ushhaq ke Qafley (There Will be More Caravans of Passion…) that I produced, directed by Sharjil Baloch. It’s on Youtube (Part 1 and Part 2) as well as on the Dr Sarwar blog.

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Upcoming speaking engagements in the Boston area

Posted on March 24, 2011 by beenasarwar

Upcoming public events in the Boston area that I’m participating in:

“Religion, Politics and the Rule of Law in South Asia”: Thursday, March 24, 2011 • 5:30 – 7:00 pm •  Carr Center Conference Room (Rubenstein Building, Floor 2, Room 219) • Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Cambridge, MA

Noam Chomsky and Beena Sarwar: Days of Hope and Challenge: Thursday, April 14, 2011 • 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm • Boston University Law Auditorium • 767 Commonwealth Ave. • followed by reception at Sherman Union Backcourt • Boston

Boston Cares: April Social Cinema program: Screening of the documentary Bhutto (chronicling the life of Benazir Bhutto) • followed by discussion • Independent Lens series hosted in partnership with ITVS Community Cinema and City Year • Tuesday, April 19, 2011 • 6:00-8:00PM • Lavine Civic Forum in the City Year Headquarter building • 287 Columbus Avenue, Boston, MA 02116

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Father, Son and the Holy War by Anand Patwardhan wins Sheffield Doc/Fest Audience award

Posted on November 16, 2010 by beenasarwar

SHEFFIELD DOC/FEST AUDIENCE AWARD WINNER ANNOUNCED

The results of the Sheffield Doc/Fest Audience Award were announced on Monday 8 November and we have two winners, following a tie! The Sheffield Doc/Fest Audience Award is a highly respected award, the winners of which are chosen by the delegates and public who attend the film screenings at Doc/Fest.

The winning films of the 2010 award are Father, Son and the Holy War by Anand Patwardhan and Scenes from a Teenage Killing by Morgan Matthews.

Doc/Fest’s Film Programmer Hussain Currimbhoy comments of the winning films: “Both films are about violence in society and their ties to masculinity so I can’t think of a more relevant set of films to be giving our prize to at this particular moment in time.”

When the directors were informed and were delighted. Anand Patwardhan (Father, Son and Holy War) said of result: “Just heard this fantastic news! Never imagined that people would even bother to vote for an old film from the retro section, let alone vote the way they have. A big thank you to the good people of Sheffield and all the new and old friends of the festival. onwards and into the summer…!” Continue reading →

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‘From Pakistan with Love: Saneeya Hussain’

Posted on March 28, 2009 by beenasarwar

‘Celebrating Saneeya’ – feminist, activist, environmentalist, my former editor, and dear friend. Made this 5-min documentary after she died in Brazil in 2005… Saneeya, we will always miss you and be inspired by you and your infectious laughter… See also Saneeya Hussain Trust
http://saneeyahussaintrust.com/

Filed under: Education, Environment, Gender, Politics | Tagged: , , , , , , , | 6 Comments »