ISLAMABAD: Riz Ahmed starrer “Sound of Metal” took home the top prize at the Zurich International Film Festival which concluded on Oct 6.
Directed by Darius Marder, Sound of Metal tells us the story of Ruben Stone – a drummer played by British Pakistani actor, Ahmed – who is forced to contend with the loss of his ability to hear.
Stone is part of a professional band which comprises his girlfriend, Lou (played by Olivia Cooke).
The film, Marder’s first feature, documents Stone’s journey as he learns to navigate his life with the support of a community with hearing disabilities.
The film premiered earlier this fall at the Toronto International Film Festival, and screened at the 14th Zurich International Film Festival which ran from the end of September through the first week of October where it bagged the top prize in the Best Film category.
Several of his recent interviews have focussed on the film, while working hard to represent marginalized communities in mainstream media.
As one of the most recognizable (from only a handful) of working actors of South Asian descent today and among those who have landed leading roles in major Hollywood productions, Ahmed has often been vocal about the topic.
When the film premiered in Toronto, it was made known that a large number of the actors in the film were from the deaf community.
To prepare for the role, Ahmed not only studied drumming for six months but learned American Sign Language, too.
The film, which was acquired by Amazon Studios, also stars Paul Raci, Lauren Ridloff, Mathieu Amalric and Domenico Toledo.
Riz Ahmed’s “Sound of Metal” wins big at Zurich Film Festival
Riz Ahmed’s “Sound of Metal” wins big at Zurich Film Festival
- Features Riz Ahmed, a British-Pakistani actor, in the role of a drummer who is slowly losing his ability to hear
- The film was premiered earlier this fall at the Toronto International Film Festival
Pakistan Airports Authority reports ‘historic’ twin-engine aircraft landing in Lahore
- Twin-engine aircraft are usually larger, heavier and require better airport infrastructure, navigation systems to land
- Pakistan Airports Authority says landing reflects its commitment to enhance aviation sector, strengthen infrastructure
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) announced on Saturday that the New General Aviation Aerodrome achieved a significant milestone when it handled the landing of a twin-engine aircraft.
A twin-engine aircraft has two engines that provide it redundancy and increased performance compared to single-engine counterparts. These aircraft range from small twin-engine propeller planes to large commercial jetliners. The presence of multiple engines enhances safety by allowing the aircraft to continue flying in the event of an engine failure.
However, twin-engine aircraft are usually larger, heavier and more complex than single-engine planes. They require advanced airport infrastructure such as better runways, navigation systems and air traffic coordination.
“The New General Aviation Aerodrome, Lahore achieved another significant operational milestone today with the successful landing of a twin-engine aircraft, following the recent arrival of a single-engine aircraft,” the PAA said in a statement.
It said the flight was also boarded by Air Vice Marshal Zeeshan Saeed, the director general of the PAA. The move reflected “strong institutional confidence” in the aerodrome’s safety standards, operational capability, and overall readiness, it added.
“The landing was conducted with exceptional precision and professionalism, demonstrating the aerodrome’s robust operational framework, technical preparedness, and effective airside coordination in accordance with contemporary aviation requirements,” the PAA said.
It said the landing represented a “major advancement” in Pakistan’s general aviation sector and underscores the PAA’s commitment to enhancing regional aviation capacity, strengthening infrastructure and promoting excellence in aviation development.
