Nadeem Alkarimi , Indie Filmmaker based in north Pakistan, Hunza valley, Top 10 interviews
Nadeem Alam Al Karimi is the co-founder of Circus Cinema. His moving imagery is all about rapid change and living a lot of lives simultaneously by an individual, two opposite shades of colours and forgotten tones in between, having the background of film making, Art history, digital Art. Movements like Dogma 95, the Italian new wave, ethnographical tales influenced subconsciously. They inspired him to explore human behaviours, resulting in his work leaning towards the realistic side of capturing human elements, expressions, and behaviours to surroundings in the remotest regions.
He experienced and witnessed both human-nature harmony and destruction of Nature by men while growing up in one of the small villages in the Karakorum Range. The vanishing values towards Nature bothered him more than ever in the last five years, where there were sounds of Nature now, we hear the disturbing sounds of woodcutter and construction machines. In 2017, he was working on a doc-fiction called “Bedero” about the introduction of money in the lives of indigenous cultures; in 2018, he completed its execution. That is when he realized his body of work, whether digital painting, photography or film making, is much more influenced by real-life primary struggles and challenges faced by people living near\by Nature in the remotest regions of Pakistan. Currently he is working on “The Secrets of Karakoram”
QnA
Greetings, Nadeem Alkarimi! Embark with burushow on a journey into the captivating realm of your filmmaking odyssey.
Can you tell me about your journey as a filmmaker and your distinctive style?
A narrative that began in year of 2011, when I, at the age of 16-17, embraced the enchanting world of documentary filmmaking. My inaugural project, a poetic exploration of the FB Boys and Girls School in Karimabad, unfolded like a tapestry of stories from one of the oldest schools in the mystical Hunza Valley. The winds of change whispered to me when a sage advisor,Rizwan Hunza my ustaad, suggested I join the National College of Arts—an invitation that set the stage for history to unfurl its cinematic scroll. My style, an intricate dance between reality and imagination, found its rhythm in the enchanting genre of doc-fiction filmmaking, with occasional ventures into the realms of pure fiction.
Tell us about cinema circus films?
In my artistic evolution, the year 2013 marked the birth of Cinema Circus Films—an avant-garde initiative committed to cultivating a cinematic culture in the heart of Hunza Valley. With the absence of theaters or established cinematic paradigms, our goal was audacious yet poetic: craft films annually and unveil them on the vibrant streets, sculpting a visual language that echoes the soul of our culture. Simultaneously, I dipped my toes into the world of TVC production, exploring diverse facets of storytelling.The pivotal year 2017 witnessed the emergence of "Beedro," a student thesis project delving into the intricate concept of money woven into the indigenous lives of Hunza Valley. This marked my departure from the commercial hustle, propelling me into the realm where my heart found its true resonance—Cinema Circus Film Production and Hunza valley.
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Can you tell us more about your challenges with cinema circus films?
Transitioning from the hustle of city life to the serene embrace of Hunza was not without its challenges. Initially, financial storms brewed, as Pakistani producers turned a deaf ear to our regional language. The comforting embrace of European film festivals and institutes became our sanctuary, turning financial rollercoasters into poetic verses of our cinematic journey.
Rumors abound about an award from the Prime Minister's house and a scholarship from NY Film Academy. Can you shed light on these?
Indeed, the Prime Minister's house bestowed an award upon my creative endeavors, and the illustrious NYFA extended a tempting scholarship. Yet, in the dance of choices, I gracefully declined the latter, as it sought a commitment to a permanent government job—an entanglement that would stifle my creative spirit in the lush valleys of Hunza. My aspirations of Cinema Circus Films did not allow me to join the venture, I am grateful for such respect and consideration .
What's on the horizon for your upcoming project?
"The Secrets of Karakorum" beckons—a tapestry of tales woven into the fabric of a feature-length film, embracing six distinct stories under a common theme. While the details are a clandestine affair for now, rest assured, it is a symphony of excitement and multi-faceted exploration that awaits.
How do you perceive the emerging filmmakers from Hunza Valley?
Do you harbor dreams of a luminous future for Hunzai cinema?
Absolutely! With the magical emergence of AI, the horizon expands, painting a canvas where one can craft an entire animated masterpiece on a humble laptop. The key, as always, lies in the sacred art of honest storytelling, irrespective of the canvas chosen. In the crystal ball of my dreams, I envision a flourishing Hunzai cinema, where tales from these ancient valleys resonate with the hearts of the world.
Can you tell us about your recent research on Glacier mating or male and female glaciers?
Historical Context:
In the early days, the forefathers of Hunza faced the challenge of cultivating the barren lands that stretched far away from the glaciers and water irrigation systems. To overcome this hurdle, they ingeniously constructed water channels on steep 90-degree mountain cliffs, directing water from the glacier sources to the arid lands below. The result was a miraculous transformation of the landscape into the vibrant, fertile haven that defines present-day Hunza.
The Role of Glacier Mating:
The Glacier Mating ceremony emerged as a practical solution to the scarcity of water in certain areas. During winters, locals would collect male and female glacier pieces and dig thousands of small pits. These pits served as temporary homes for the glacier pieces until April, when the planting season began. By burying the glacier pieces in these pits, the melting water would irrigate the soil, providing essential moisture for the upcoming summer months.
screen grab
Symbolic Beliefs:
Beyond its practical implications, Glacier Mating is deeply rooted in the spiritual beliefs of the locals. The community traditionally believed that the glaciers exhibited distinct male and female characteristics, and by uniting them in a ceremonial pit, they could give birth to an "offspring glacier." This symbolic act was seen as a way to ensure the perpetual flow of water and maintain the delicate balance between nature and the community's agricultural needs.
To watch short Doc film click on the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/nadeem.alkarimii/videos/1459201004628283
The Ritual:
The Glacier Mating ritual involves a communal gathering where the male and female glacier pieces are carefully selected and placed together in a specially prepared pit. As the community participates in the ceremony, there is a sense of unity and connection with the natural elements that sustain their livelihoods.
Conclusion:
The wedding ceremony of male and female glaciers in the Hunza Valley is a captivating tradition that reflects the deep connection between the local community and the land they inhabit. Through practical ingenuity and symbolic beliefs, this ritual has played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of Hunza, transforming it from barren lands into a lush green paradise. As we celebrate the one-year milestone of this tradition, it serves as a reminder of the rich tapestry of cultural practices that contribute to the unique identity of communities around the world.
Gratitude, Nadeem Alkarimi, for gracing us with the melodies of your time and insights—Buru show
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