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A Rhythm of Our Own

Directed by Zaynah Waseem

Cast: Farah Yasmeen Shaikh, Kulsoom Aftab, Noorani Dance Company, Sheema Kermani, Shehroze Hussain, Wazir Sultan, Yousuf Kerai

Following the journey of Pakistani-American Kathak artist, Farah Yasmeen Shaikh, A Rhythm of Our Own honors and celebrates the artistic practice of Kathak—one of eight forms of South Asian classical dance practiced across India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. From exploring Farah’s personal experiences growing up as a Pakistani-American in the Bay Area to following her journey to Pakistan where she teaches educational dance workshops and collaborates with Pakistani classical artists, musicians, and poets, the film offers an intimate portrait of the experiences of diasporic communities finding a sense of belonging both away from and within their respective motherlands. Touching upon themes of cultural identity, belonging, and cross-border love, A Rhythm of Our Own is a collective celebration of South Asian heritage and history that will continue to define our shared experience for years to come.

Credits
Director of Photography: Zaynah Waseem
Editor: Zaynah Waseem

Plays in

LET IT FLOW

Explore what it means to connect, what it means to bridge, and to share, utilizing dance as a conduit. These films speak to two sides of movement and how it gives us purchase to translate experience.

Dates & Times