Sydney News, Indian Link.

A young film-maker uses her art to spread the message of peace. USHA ARVIND reports

Zarmina – A Story of Hope was adjudged Best Short Film at the inaugural Colourfest Film Festival recently.

The national festival, which focuses exclusively on culturally diverse filmmakers in Australia, has attracted hundreds of entries, which were then whittled down to 10 finalists. Zarmina was named winner after an audience vote on the opening night.

Directed and produced by Saliha, the 12-minute feature tells the story of an Afghan woman who stakes her existence, in hope of a better future for her young son, surviving the trauma of a bitter war, only to emerge stronger in the face of extreme adversity.

“The movie explores changing perspectives and the desperate hope for peace and understanding”, the Pakistani born filmmaker told Indian Link.It is about understanding perspectives and making peace within, by reaching out to each other, she explained.

“Through emotional empathy, we can recognise the larger purpose of life and eventually become better human beings. No matter where we are born or raised and how different we are, deep down we are all the same inside. What runs within is still blood, red, just red. And I strongly believe that forgiveness is the only way to peace and by killing each other we merely sow seeds for an eternity of hatred”, she emphatically stated.

“Thus, through my maiden venture I wanted to show that emotions are universal and that, two people hailing from two different cultures or geographical locations can still connect through an emotional understanding”,