ISLAMABAD: A documentary on acclaimed Pakistani classical dancer and activist, Sheema Kermani, won in the Best Short and Audience Choice category at the South Asian Film Festival Montreal which ran from November 1 to November 3 in Canada.
Directed by Taimur Raheem and produced by Waheed Ali, “With Bells on Her Feet,” tells the story of Kermani’s life and work, highlighting her as a defiant social activist during some of Pakistan’s more trying times. The film was completed in 2018.
Sheema Kermani is one of Pakistan's most iconic classical dancers and teachers. (Pic taken from Sheema Kermani' Instagram account)
The documentary’s trailer begins with a voice over from Kermani as she adds final touches to her looks before starting her performance. “For me, there is a direct connection between dance and liberation,” she said.
Raheem’s documentary which is 15 minutes in length, covers several instances of Kermani’s life over the years as she takes on causes for social injustice, censorship and even terrorism.
It also offers the viewer an insight into her career when she took to the stage despite a ban on dancing in the country – which was imposed by General Zia ul Haq – and danced at Lal Shahbaz Qalandar’s shrine only four days after a suicide bomb blast at the historic site took 85 lives and injured more than 300 others.
The voice over in the minute-long trailer concludes with Kermani expressing that very thought: “My journey has been a lonely one but what keeps me going is a hope that future generations will embrace dance not just as an art form it is a means to achieve peace, humility and beauty.”
“With Bells on her Feet” will be available online globally in early 2020.
