Cast
Anil Fastenau
Qazi
Nargis Yaqoob
Mother
Faraz Yousaf
Faraz
Francis Gulzar
Francis
Adeel Yaqoob
Brother
Amber Malik
Sister
Iram Gulzar
Passenger 1
Kamran Gulfam
Passenger 2
Karen Fastenau
Woman
Aneeq Shahid
Kiosk Owner
Umer Latif
Shabeer
Kleber Valim
Fernando
Raymond Toh
Ray
Hermon Mengsteab
Hermon
Davis Akobundo
Davis
Crew
Director
- Anil Fastenau
- Jakob Gehrmann
Writer
- Jaswinder Singh
Producer
- Anil Fastenau
- Jakob Gehrmann
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Qazi examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Anil Fastenau brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2021, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Qazi took approximately 12 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 81 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 122 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 172 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2021, when this film is released:
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Qazi shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Vivre Sa Vie, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Qazi subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Cool Young and Risky Business explore similar territory, Qazi stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 20, 2021
- Runtime: 1h 21m
