The Buraq That Can't Fly

In 'The Buraq That Can't Fly', Zeed delivers a touching short film that showcases family, tradition, and self-expression with a vibrant touch of fantasy. Set in Hong Kong, the tale follows Ayesha (played by Shanaia Khursigara), her husband Niyas (Syed Muteen), and their young son Rumi (Khan Muhammad Arham) as they navigate the challenges of living in a city far from their roots and culture.

The family's journey is captured through Ayesha's home video camera, a device she uses as a creative outlet. Her footage become more than memories; they're acts of storytelling that resist the pressures around her to conform. When Ayesha befriends a skeptical neighbor, she faces pushback on her passion for self-expression - a tension that only deepens her resolve to create.

What makes 'The Buraq That Can't Fly' charming is the special bond between Ayesha and her son Rumi. Together, they spin tales of the Buraq, a mythical creature that becomes their bridge between reality and imagination. These sequences blend real-world grit with an ethereal fantasy edge, showcasing Zeed's skill for storytelling that feels both grounded and dreamlike.

Shanaia Khursigara commands the screen with a magnetic mix of defiance and tenderness that's impossible to look away from. The supporting cast also shine in their own right, adding rich layers to the story and perfectly complementing Khursigara's captivating portrayal.

The cinematography is of a high quality standard, the editing fluid, and the overall production value is cinematic, giving it a polished, professional quality. The character of Ayesha brings warmth and charm, drawing us into her world with captivating insight. This Urdu/English language film is a beautiful exploration of identity and the magic of imagination - and how tales can connect, inspire, and defy cultural boundaries. Highly recommended.