‘Songs of the Sufi’ glows on the TODA screen, illuminates Dubai
- 4 hours ago
Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer
The critically acclaimed Pakistani documentary ‘Songs of the Sufi’ was screened at the Theatre Of Digital Art (TODA) at Souk Madinat in Dubai on January 12. It marked a significant milestone in the global journey of the film, which has garnered international accolades for its celebration of the sacred art of Qawwali and the universal message of love and unity it embodies. Qawwali is a style of Muslim devotional music, now associated particularly with Sufis. Produced by Kamran Anwar and directed by Shahrukh Waheed and organised by Poetic Strokes, ‘Songs of the Sufi’ explores the rich history and spirituality of classical Qawwali music. Through the voices of the legendary Qawwals or singers of the Qawwal Bachay Gharana, in depth interviews with aficionados and music scholars combined with stunning visual storytelling, the film brings the timeless beauty of Sufi traditions to remarkable life, exploring the history, culture, etiquette, and the universal message of love that Qawwali personifies.
Having been officially selected for over 16 global festivals, literary conferences, and academic institutions, the film has received widespread recognition. It won the Best Documentary at the 15th Chicago South Asian Film Festival, the Best Musical Documentary at the Washington D.C. South Asian Film Festival, the Special Jury Award at the Gandhara Independent Film Festival and the Yellow Rose Award at the Jaipur International Film Festival. In an unbroken chain spanning over 800 years, Qawwali has inspired, entranced and enlightened people. ‘Songs of the Sufi’ takes viewers on a musical and artistic journey that catalogues traditional Qawwali, the mystical music tradition of the Indian subcontinent associated with 13th-century Sufi seminaries, which now has global resonance.
The story is told from the lens of two families — a Qawwali lover who grew up with Qawwali around him, and his mother, a Sufi disciple, who reminisces about her listening experiences as a teenager in India, and Qawwali singers who have been paying homage to this genre for 25 generations. Live performances of various Qawwalis, the use of secret syllables and odes written in the 13th century blend with modern Qawwalis to create a meditative visual and listening experience. The qawwals or singers of Pakistan featuring in the film, live amid the bustling streets of Karachi, in a street located near a shoe market in Karachi’s Garden East neighbourhood. The film carries the interviews of distinguished members of this family, descendants of the 12 original pupils of Amir Khusrau (1253 - 1325 CE), the founder of Qawwali.
“Qawwali is one of the greatest gifts to the world of spirituality and music. I am hopeful that audiences will enjoy the hybrid, layered meaning of this art form and the universal message of tolerance and inclusion embodied in the message of the great sufis that we have tried to capture in the film,” said Anwar. “With its powerful message of peace between all peoples, I am delighted that it is being screened in Dubai, the multicultural hub of the region”, said Dr. Katherine Schofield, co-producer and the Head of the Music Department at Kings College in London, who had a major role in bringing the film to fruition.
The event also featured an engaging panel discussion moderated by renowned author and filmmaker, Saba Karim. The audience, consisting of nearly 200 attendees, participated actively in the Q & A session that followed the screening, delving deeper into the significance of Qawwali and its cultural impact. Anwar and Schofield, who were also panelists, shared their thoughts. “It’s heartwarming to see such a positive reception in Dubai,” said Anwar. “Our aim was to spotlight the incredible tradition of Qawwali and the families who keep it alive. Seeing this connect with audiences here is truly gratifying.” Schofield added: “The questions from the audience reflected a genuine curiosity and love for the art form, which is exactly what we hoped to inspire.”
“We are delighted to present ‘Songs of the Sufi’ to Dubai, a city that celebrates cultural diversity and artistic excellence,” said Jamal Alvi, CEO, Habib Bank AG Zurich, event presenter. “This is our tribute to the timeless art of Qawwali and the remarkable families who have kept this tradition alive for generations. As Habib Bank completes 50 years in the UAE, this event serves as the grand finale of our celebrations. Qawwali is a music genre very close to the hearts of the Habib family, and it is our privilege to help bring this extraordinary documentary to Dubai and foster appreciation for this sacred art form.”
Ayesha Imtiaz, CEO and Founder of Poetic Strokes, said that “this event has been a celebration of art, culture, and community. We are thrilled by the audience’s response and are grateful to our partners and participants for making this evening unforgettable and giving us the confidence to continue to bring meaningful, inspiring events to the UAE.” Poetic Strokes is an art platform that brings impactful events to Dubai focusing on art, music, film and theatre. The highlight of the evening was the attendance of Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE, who praised the documentary, saying: “Songs of the Sufi beautifully encapsulates the spirit of Sufism and its universal message of love, unity, and tolerance. Events like these play a vital role in projecting a positive image of Pakistan, showcasing our rich cultural heritage and the timeless traditions that unite us as humans.”
