Et Canada’s Carlos Bustamante caught up with Amrit Kaur on the TIFF red carpet, where she was on hand for the world premiere of her new film “The Queen of My Dreams”.
Kaur, best known for playing Bela in “The Sex Lives of College Girls” stars in the directorial debut of Fawzia Mirza, an expansion of her 2012 short film of the same name.
”I feel like I’m very much in the beginning of my work.”
In Mirza’s semi-autobiographical film, Kaur plays queer Muslim grad student Azra, who returns to her ancestral home in Pakistan after the death of her father. While she clashes with her traditional mother, Mariam (Nimra Bucha), who insists she play the role of perfect grieving daughter, flashbacks to Mariam’s own life in Karachi 30 years earlier demonstrate the connections that unite mother and daughter — particularly in their shared adoration of Bollywood star Sharmila Tagore.
Kaur, best known for playing Bela in “The Sex Lives of College Girls” stars in the directorial debut of Fawzia Mirza, an expansion of her 2012 short film of the same name.
”I feel like I’m very much in the beginning of my work.”
In Mirza’s semi-autobiographical film, Kaur plays queer Muslim grad student Azra, who returns to her ancestral home in Pakistan after the death of her father. While she clashes with her traditional mother, Mariam (Nimra Bucha), who insists she play the role of perfect grieving daughter, flashbacks to Mariam’s own life in Karachi 30 years earlier demonstrate the connections that unite mother and daughter — particularly in their shared adoration of Bollywood star Sharmila Tagore.
- 9/9/2023
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
The apple rarely falls far from the tree and religion too often convinces said apple and tree of the opposite. This is the case with Mariam (Nimra Bucha) and Azra (Amrit Kaur) in Fawzia Mirza’s Pakistani-Canadian dramedy The Queen of My Dreams. Both are / were rebellious in their youth, desperate to cut a path that they desired beyond the boundaries of Islam or their parents. And yet both discover they are confined by those same boundaries through culture, generational trauma, and guilt.
That said, this isn’t a somber affair. Not really. Yes, it revolves around the untimely death of Azra’s father / Mariam’s husband Hassan (Hamza Haq), but the tragedy itself is as much a means to expose the cracks in this faltering mother-daughter relationship as it is to express the love that exists beneath it all. Because despite the traditionally conservative nature Mariam adheres to in the present,...
That said, this isn’t a somber affair. Not really. Yes, it revolves around the untimely death of Azra’s father / Mariam’s husband Hassan (Hamza Haq), but the tragedy itself is as much a means to expose the cracks in this faltering mother-daughter relationship as it is to express the love that exists beneath it all. Because despite the traditionally conservative nature Mariam adheres to in the present,...
- 9/9/2023
- by Jared Mobarak
- The Film Stage
Fawzia Mirza’s feature debut, “The Queen of My Dreams,” which premieres Sept. 8 at Toronto, isn’t just a love letter to Bollywood, it’s a love letter to mothers and daughters and intergenerational connections. “It’s an attempt to reflect on the compassion we have for the elders in our lives,” says Mirza.
Amrit Kaur (“The Sex Lives of College Girls”) plays Azra, a Muslim teen living in Toronto. When her father, Hassan (Hamza Haq), suddenly dies, Azra is forced into grieving as she returns to Pakistan. “Ms. Marvel’s” Nimra Bucha plays Miriam, in the coming-of-age film that crosses decades, generations, cultures and beliefs.
“The Queen of My Dreams” began over a decade ago as a short film in which Mirza starred and co-directed with Ryan Logan. “It really began as a private conversation that I was having about my struggle with whether I could be queer and...
Amrit Kaur (“The Sex Lives of College Girls”) plays Azra, a Muslim teen living in Toronto. When her father, Hassan (Hamza Haq), suddenly dies, Azra is forced into grieving as she returns to Pakistan. “Ms. Marvel’s” Nimra Bucha plays Miriam, in the coming-of-age film that crosses decades, generations, cultures and beliefs.
“The Queen of My Dreams” began over a decade ago as a short film in which Mirza starred and co-directed with Ryan Logan. “It really began as a private conversation that I was having about my struggle with whether I could be queer and...
- 9/8/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Winner of the Critics' Week Grand Prize in Cannes this year, “Tiger Stripes” is a multinational production and Amanda Nell Eu's first feature. The film incorporates the new style of horror movies coming out of Asean countries, where the social commentary is at least as intense as the genre aspect, in an approach that seems to appeal particularly to film festivals.
“Tiger Stripes” is screening at Neuchatel International Fantastic Film Festival
The movie opens with 12-year-old Zaffan discarding her burga while dancing wildly in the school bathroom, while being recorded on a mobile phone. It is then, however, that her ‘frenemy', Farah, the third member of a ‘gang' also including Mariam, arrives and starts criticizing her in the most intense way, particularly for the fact that Zaffan is also wearing a bra. This scene actually sets the tone for the whole movie, with Zaffan almost constantly being on the...
“Tiger Stripes” is screening at Neuchatel International Fantastic Film Festival
The movie opens with 12-year-old Zaffan discarding her burga while dancing wildly in the school bathroom, while being recorded on a mobile phone. It is then, however, that her ‘frenemy', Farah, the third member of a ‘gang' also including Mariam, arrives and starts criticizing her in the most intense way, particularly for the fact that Zaffan is also wearing a bra. This scene actually sets the tone for the whole movie, with Zaffan almost constantly being on the...
- 7/6/2023
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Arctic Monkeys and Guns N’ Roses will join Elton John in headlining this year’s Glastonbury Festival, Emily Eavis has announced.
Eavis, the festival’s co-organizer, shared the news in an article discussing “pipeline” problems in light of the all-male headline bookings.
She told The Guardian that Guns N’ Roses replaced a female singer who “changed her touring plans.” Although Eavis didn’t name the act, it’s thought that it could have been Taylor Swift, who was originally set to perform in 2020 when Glastonbury was canceled due to Covid-...
Eavis, the festival’s co-organizer, shared the news in an article discussing “pipeline” problems in light of the all-male headline bookings.
She told The Guardian that Guns N’ Roses replaced a female singer who “changed her touring plans.” Although Eavis didn’t name the act, it’s thought that it could have been Taylor Swift, who was originally set to perform in 2020 when Glastonbury was canceled due to Covid-...
- 3/3/2023
- by Rolling Stone UK
- Rollingstone.com
Guns N’ Roses and Arctic Monkeys will join Elton John as headliners of the 2023 Glastonbury Festival.
The festival, which released its poster and lineup Friday, will take place at the Worthy Farm in southwest England from June 21-25. John will play on the festival’s final night, which will mark his farewell show in Britain.
Others set to perform include Lizzo, Lana Del Rey, Yusuf/Cat Stevens, Lil Nas X, The Chicks, Måneskin, Blondie, Lewis Capaldi, Fatboy Slim, Wizkid, Carly Rae Jepsen, Thundercat, Joey Bada$$, The War On Drugs, Candi Staton, Chvrches, Kelis, Maggie Rogers, Amadou & Mariam, Mahalia, Alt-j, Christine and the Queens, Rina Sawayama and Stefflon Don.
More performers will be announced at a later date.
John, Guns N’ Roses and Arctic Monkeys will perform on the Pyramid Stage. Yusuf/Cat Stevens will play the Sunday teatime legend slot.
Last year’s Glastonbury Festival featured performances by Paul McCartney,...
The festival, which released its poster and lineup Friday, will take place at the Worthy Farm in southwest England from June 21-25. John will play on the festival’s final night, which will mark his farewell show in Britain.
Others set to perform include Lizzo, Lana Del Rey, Yusuf/Cat Stevens, Lil Nas X, The Chicks, Måneskin, Blondie, Lewis Capaldi, Fatboy Slim, Wizkid, Carly Rae Jepsen, Thundercat, Joey Bada$$, The War On Drugs, Candi Staton, Chvrches, Kelis, Maggie Rogers, Amadou & Mariam, Mahalia, Alt-j, Christine and the Queens, Rina Sawayama and Stefflon Don.
More performers will be announced at a later date.
John, Guns N’ Roses and Arctic Monkeys will perform on the Pyramid Stage. Yusuf/Cat Stevens will play the Sunday teatime legend slot.
Last year’s Glastonbury Festival featured performances by Paul McCartney,...
- 3/3/2023
- by Mesfin Fekadu
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Glastonbury 2023 headliners have been announced by Emily Eavis.
The festival’s co-organiser shared the news in an article discussing “pipeline” problems related to the all-male headlining line-up.
Joining Elton John will be Arctic Monkeys on the Friday, headlining for their third time, with Guns N’ Roses playing the Saturday slot.
Eavis said that Guns N’ Roses replaced a female singer who “changed her touring plans”.
While Eavis didn’t name names, it’s strongly suspected she was alluding to Taylor Swift, who was originally set to perform in 2020 when the festival was cancelled due to Covid.
However, Eavis expressed excitement about the “Sweet Child O’ Mine” rockers’ Glastonbury debut, telling The Guardian: “They’ll be brilliant and provide something totally different to the rest of the headliners.”
She said that Lizzo will “open” for the band, with the “About Damn Time” singer receiving joint headline billing on the poster.
The festival’s co-organiser shared the news in an article discussing “pipeline” problems related to the all-male headlining line-up.
Joining Elton John will be Arctic Monkeys on the Friday, headlining for their third time, with Guns N’ Roses playing the Saturday slot.
Eavis said that Guns N’ Roses replaced a female singer who “changed her touring plans”.
While Eavis didn’t name names, it’s strongly suspected she was alluding to Taylor Swift, who was originally set to perform in 2020 when the festival was cancelled due to Covid.
However, Eavis expressed excitement about the “Sweet Child O’ Mine” rockers’ Glastonbury debut, telling The Guardian: “They’ll be brilliant and provide something totally different to the rest of the headliners.”
She said that Lizzo will “open” for the band, with the “About Damn Time” singer receiving joint headline billing on the poster.
- 3/3/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - Music
The team search for a kidnapped teenager on CBS’s FBI: Most Wanted season four episode 13. Directed by Jon Cassar from a script by Khalid Moalim, episode 13 – “Transaction” – will air on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at 10pm Et/Pt.
Season four stars Dylan McDermott as Supervisory Special Agent Remy Scott, Alexa Davalos as Special Agent Kristin Gaines, Roxy Sternberg as Special Agent Sheryll Barnes, Keisha Castle-Hughes as Special Agent Hana Gibson, and Edwin Hodge as Special Agent Ray Cannon.
“Transaction” Plot: The team must navigate the mistrust of authorities in a tight-knit Somali community in Minnesota as they race to find a kidnapped 14-year-old girl.
Season 4 Episode 1 “Iron Pipeline” Preview Season 4 Episode 2 “Taxman” Preview Season 4 Episode 3 “Succession” Preview Season 4 Episode 4 “Gold Diggers” Preview Season 4 Episode 5 “Chains” Preview Season 4 Episode 6 “Patent Pending” Preview Season 4 Episode 7 “Karma” Preview Season 4 Episode 8 “Appeal” Preview Season 4 Episode 9 “Processed” Preview Season 4 Episode 10 “False Flag” Preview Season 4 Episode 11 “Crypto...
Season four stars Dylan McDermott as Supervisory Special Agent Remy Scott, Alexa Davalos as Special Agent Kristin Gaines, Roxy Sternberg as Special Agent Sheryll Barnes, Keisha Castle-Hughes as Special Agent Hana Gibson, and Edwin Hodge as Special Agent Ray Cannon.
“Transaction” Plot: The team must navigate the mistrust of authorities in a tight-knit Somali community in Minnesota as they race to find a kidnapped 14-year-old girl.
Season 4 Episode 1 “Iron Pipeline” Preview Season 4 Episode 2 “Taxman” Preview Season 4 Episode 3 “Succession” Preview Season 4 Episode 4 “Gold Diggers” Preview Season 4 Episode 5 “Chains” Preview Season 4 Episode 6 “Patent Pending” Preview Season 4 Episode 7 “Karma” Preview Season 4 Episode 8 “Appeal” Preview Season 4 Episode 9 “Processed” Preview Season 4 Episode 10 “False Flag” Preview Season 4 Episode 11 “Crypto...
- 2/16/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Exclusive: Documentary The Blind Couple From Mali, devoted to renowned West African musical duo Amadou & Mariam, has begun principal photography.
The film is directed by Canadian director Ryan Marley and follows blind, musical duo and married couple Amadou Bagayoko and Mariam Doumbia as they prepare for the concert of a lifetime in their native Mali, amid hopes that it will unite their war-torn country.
Shooting will take place through early 2023 in Paris, Barcelona, London and the Malian capital of Bamako.
The work will tell the untold story of the couple’s global success over the last four decades and the development of their unique sound combining West African influences with rhythm and blues.
It will feature never-before-seen footage and exclusive interviews with the duo as well as renowned musical artists and experts.
“During the most important year of Amadou and Mariam’s life we are embedded with them on tour,...
The film is directed by Canadian director Ryan Marley and follows blind, musical duo and married couple Amadou Bagayoko and Mariam Doumbia as they prepare for the concert of a lifetime in their native Mali, amid hopes that it will unite their war-torn country.
Shooting will take place through early 2023 in Paris, Barcelona, London and the Malian capital of Bamako.
The work will tell the untold story of the couple’s global success over the last four decades and the development of their unique sound combining West African influences with rhythm and blues.
It will feature never-before-seen footage and exclusive interviews with the duo as well as renowned musical artists and experts.
“During the most important year of Amadou and Mariam’s life we are embedded with them on tour,...
- 2/13/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Arvind Pratap’s “Mariam,” which has post production support from the Busan International Film Festival’s Asian Cinema Fund, tackles a range of social issues in India.
Millions of families from rural India move to the big cities in search of employment and “Mariam” follows one such migrant worker family. The breadwinner is Mariam, who has to look after her three daughters and also takes on an illegal surrogate pregnancy to earn for her family in Mumbai.
Pratap, who previously directed the acclaimed “The Reluctant Crime,” got the idea for the film from a newspaper article detailing changes in the Surrogacy Regulation Bill by the Indian Supreme Court, where single parents were excluded from surrogacy.
“At that moment, I thought about what will happen to the baby and surrogate mother if a couple get divorced during the pregnancy period. Whose responsibility will be the baby? That thought lingered for a...
Millions of families from rural India move to the big cities in search of employment and “Mariam” follows one such migrant worker family. The breadwinner is Mariam, who has to look after her three daughters and also takes on an illegal surrogate pregnancy to earn for her family in Mumbai.
Pratap, who previously directed the acclaimed “The Reluctant Crime,” got the idea for the film from a newspaper article detailing changes in the Surrogacy Regulation Bill by the Indian Supreme Court, where single parents were excluded from surrogacy.
“At that moment, I thought about what will happen to the baby and surrogate mother if a couple get divorced during the pregnancy period. Whose responsibility will be the baby? That thought lingered for a...
- 10/5/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
“Me, My Mom & Sharmila,” the feature directorial debut of queer Muslim writer-director Fawzia Mirza, has set its cast.
The film will feature Amrit Kaur, the breakout star of Mindy Kaling and Justin Noble’s HBO Max series “The Sex Lives of College Girls”; Hamza Haq, who won best actor in 2021 and 2022 at the Canadian Screen Awards for CTV medical drama “Transplant”; and Nimra Bucha.
Set in 1999, the film follows Azra (Kaur) over 48 hours as she travels from her home in Canada to her parents’ homeland of Pakistan to bury her father (Haq). Azra struggles to connect with her conservative mother Mariam (Bucha), but her return to Pakistan launches her into memories both real and imagined that reveal their unexpected similarities.
Adapted from Mirza’s stage play of the same name, “Me, My Mom & Sharmila” is produced by Jason Levangie and Marc Tetreault for Shut Up & Colour Pictures (“Night Blooms...
The film will feature Amrit Kaur, the breakout star of Mindy Kaling and Justin Noble’s HBO Max series “The Sex Lives of College Girls”; Hamza Haq, who won best actor in 2021 and 2022 at the Canadian Screen Awards for CTV medical drama “Transplant”; and Nimra Bucha.
Set in 1999, the film follows Azra (Kaur) over 48 hours as she travels from her home in Canada to her parents’ homeland of Pakistan to bury her father (Haq). Azra struggles to connect with her conservative mother Mariam (Bucha), but her return to Pakistan launches her into memories both real and imagined that reveal their unexpected similarities.
Adapted from Mirza’s stage play of the same name, “Me, My Mom & Sharmila” is produced by Jason Levangie and Marc Tetreault for Shut Up & Colour Pictures (“Night Blooms...
- 8/24/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
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