An Animation Breakthrough in Pakistan
Lahore: In what is undoubtedly the first during its exit into the Pakistani film industry, an animated short film called Under the Blaze has been released. It showcases the issues around little children working in the kilns. This film is more than the first step on the ladder to giant steps in fulfilling the expectations of the Pakistani animation audience. Which has declined in recent years.
Using Animation as a Tool to Highlight Child Labour Issues
The Blaze’s stand on human and child rights issues makes it a film that will make waves in the industry. This documentary film aims to sensitize the audience about the conditions children in the brick products industry endure in the different regions of Pakistan. The choice of animation has enabled the film to target a significant population on this critical issue and do so in an entertaining yet effective manner.
The story of Under the Blaze revolves around one of Pakistan’s fundamental social problems and is quite professionally oriented. Making a film that addresses the issue of child workers in brick kilns makes this film stand out from others’ use of animation. This unique approach intends to put these children’s struggles in the limelight and invoke fruitful discussions.
Director Owais Shaukat: Emerging Genius
Owais Shaukat, a talented junior National College of Arts Lahore undergraduate, helms this movie. Shaukat started working with Digital art at the age of 15 in 2019. Since then, he has evolved and gained appreciation and importance in the field of painting and is thus one of the successful people in the animation domain as well.
It is important to note what Owais Shaukat has done in Under the Blaze since this offers a unique way of looking at and working in the animation space in Pakistan. Artistic and loving digital art completely influenced the course of the film and the story.
Sources of Story and Their Contents
Child labor in brick kilns, the theme of Under the Blaze, is taken seriously in real life. Owais and his team performed qualitative research by visiting different kilns and asking families for real stories. These stories became the basis for the film, depicting the conditions of these young children and the different adversities they encountered.
As Shaukat mentioned during the visits, children would run away immediately. They saw the team, fearing that the team could be government officials. This illustrates the helplessness and fright these children go through, and thus. The film aims to address and overcome such situations. ‘Encoding Messages: Communication through Animation’
Owais Shaukat pointed out that animation was selected as. It is a medium that can penetrate any complex issue and enable proper story communication. He opines that animation is a means of mass communication. When considering people’s attention spans, this technique helps create awareness about subjects that might be overlooked.
The Development of Under the Blaze
At the moment, Under the Blaze is in the pre-production stage. The team is developing a detailed storyboard with the bulk of the conceptual design. Including character design, location design, and script, which is already done. The film’s world premiere will occur next year at several international film festivals to reach. A wider audience will be created, and debates about child labor will be made.
Under the Blaze is fundamentally oriented towards highlighting. The growing issue of child labor and the harsh conditions of these children. Therefore, the film aims to promote real change and discuss critical issues further. It uses these techniques.
