Film
In the way of films, asetikbird films has produced its first documentary “Beggars of Lahore”, a film that explores the begging phenomenon in the second city of Lahore, Pakistan. Produced, directed and edited by Sheba Saeed, the documentary aims to humanise the issue of begging through highlighting complexities of the phenomenon using Lahore as a case study.
Synopsis
Begging is a worldwide phenomenon. The age old proverb, beggars can’t be choosers, is clear about beggars not having a choice but is that really true of today’s begging population in Lahore, Pakistan. “Beggars of Lahore” is a journey into the streets of Lahore, Pakistan’s second largest city and cultural hub to discover what compels the beggars to beg and what measures have been placed by the government and non governmental organisations to assist the beggars.
The documentary examines the political, social, religious, economic reasons for begging as well as the growth of the beggars’ mafia including case studies of beggars and interviews with cricketer/politician Imran Khan, advocate/human rights activist Hina Jilani, Chief Minister of Punjab Chaudhry Parvez Elahi amongst many others from both the public and private sphere as well as the general public.
The film is dedicated to the Beggars of Lahore and the memory of the director's Father.
Sheba Saeed has conducted Question and Answer sessions in conjunction with screenings of the film. If your institution or organisation would be interested in such a session please do contact us via our e-mail address or form.
Beggars of Lahore trailers
