International
Pakistani director poised to become first woman and person of colour to helm a Star Wars film
April 08, 2023 | 11:55 PM
Acclaimed Pakistani director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy is poised to make history as the first woman and individual of colour to helm the latest instalment of the iconic Star Wars film series.The exciting development was unveiled by Lucasfilm during a Star Wars celebration event in London on Friday.In this highly anticipated Star Wars feature, set after 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker, Daisy Ridley’s character Rey will take centre-stage. Steven Knight, the creative mind behind the popular TV series Peaky Blinders, is set to write the screenplay, as reported by Variety, an influential entertainment industry news source. The narrative will revolve around Rey’s efforts to establish a new Jedi Order.During the event, Obaid-Chinoy expressed her passion for the hero’s journey, stating, "The world needs more heroes!"She emphasised the importance of drawing inspiration from real-life heroes who have faced oppressive empires and seemingly insurmountable odds. This core theme, she believes, is at the heart of Star Wars and what drew her to the prospect of a new Jedi Order.This venture is not Obaid-Chinoy’s first brush with Hollywood; she previously directed several episodes of Disney’s Ms. Marvel, a show centred on a Pakistani girl who acquires superpowers. Speculation about her collaboration with Disney first surfaced in October, when Deadline, an online entertainment news source, reported she might be chosen to spearhead a Star Wars film.Following the release of Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker in 2019, the studio had shifted its focus to TV projects. Obaid-Chinoy, an Oscar and Emmy-winning director, is renowned for her documentary work, including Saving Face and A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness. Currently, she is directing Paramount’s adaptation of the novel Brilliance, which is being produced by Will Smith.As well as being a trailblazing Pakistani filmmaker, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy is also a journalist and activist, best known for her thought-provoking documentaries that tackle important social issues, particularly those affecting women. Her remarkable storytelling skills have earned her numerous prestigious accolades, apart from the two Academy Awards.Her other notable works, include Pakistan’s Taliban Generation (2009), the Emmy-winning documentary that investigates how the war in Afghanistan spilled over into Pakistan, impacting the lives of its citizens and creating a new generation of Taliban supporters.In another documentary, Children of the Taliban (2010), Obaid-Chinoy returns to Pakistan to uncover the harsh reality of children who have been recruited and indoctrinated by the Taliban.She also co-directed Song of Lahore (2015) with Andy Schocken. The documentary follows the musicians of the Sachal Jazz Ensemble as they journey from Lahore to New York City to perform with renowned jazz musician Wynton Marsalis. The film highlights the power of music to transcend cultural barriers and bring people together.Obaid-Chinoy’s unwavering dedication to shedding light on underrepresented stories and her exceptional filmmaking skills have garnered her global recognition as a prominent force in the world of documentary cinema. In 2012, Time magazine named her as one of the 100 most influential people in the world with a tribute penned by Hollywood superstar Angelina Jolie.
April 08, 2023 | 11:55 PM