'Aisa Hi Hota Hai': Pakistan's Groundbreaking Film Shedding Light on Animal Abuse Scheduled for Release This Week
The Ayesha Chundrigar Foundation (ACF), Pakistan's premier animal rescue organization, has unveiled plans to release "Aisa Hi Hota Hai" (That's How It Happens), the nation's first cinematic venture that delves into the issue of animal abuse from a psychological perspective. The highly anticipated film is slated for release on June 16.
Renowned Pakistani television and film actress, director, and producer, Marina Khan, has helmed the project, showcasing the extraordinary talent of Sania Saeed in a pivotal role. While the primary focus of the film is animal abuse, Saeed emphasizes that its scope extends far beyond the plight of animals. In her words, "Our intention is to shed light on the interconnectedness between the suffering endured by animals and that experienced by humans... Unfortunately, many individuals fail to recognize that animals possess emotions."
Ayesha Chundrigar, the visionary behind ACF and the concept of the film, aims to challenge societal perceptions by adopting a psychotherapeutic approach to explore the issue of animal abuse. Drawing on her extensive background in psychotherapy, Chundrigar intends to uncover the unconscious meanings and motivations underlying the troubling behaviors, emotions, and thoughts associated with cruelty towards animals. Psychoanalytic therapies, which emphasize a strong therapeutic alliance between therapist and patient, serve as the foundation for her groundbreaking work.
"Essentially, this film delves into animal abuse through the lens of psychotherapy," explains Chundrigar. She emphasizes the distinctive nature of her approach, stating, "While there have been several international films on animals, I have never witnessed one that delves into the subject matter in the same way as mine."
Ayesha Chundrigar's aspiration through this film is to stimulate introspection, foster meaningful dialogue, and contribute to the healing process. By promoting empathy towards animals and facilitating an understanding of their experiences, she hopes to inspire a transformative shift in people's perspectives.