The film ‘Ganj, The Treasures of Shah Jo Risalo’ pays tribute to the legacy of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai

The Arts Council in Karachi on Thursday held a documentary screening of the film Ganj: The Treasures of Shah jo Risalohonoring the poetic and philosophical legacy of the revered Sufi poet of Sindh, Shah Abdul Latif Bittai.

The screening attracted scholars, artists, students and literary figures.

According to the organizers, the aim of the film is to preserve the spiritual and cultural heritage of Bhittai and present its message to the younger generations as well as to people beyond Pakistan and South Asia.

The documentary also features renditions of Bhittai’s lyrics in the voice of legendary Sufi singer Abida Parveen, which were warmly appreciated by the audience.

Talking to you The Express Tribunedirector Shamim Ahmed Junejo said the film is “not just a documentary but a spiritual and spiritual journey that seeks to bring the message of Bhittai and the cultural heritage of Sindh to the world”. He noted that plans are underway to send the documentary to international festivals, with hopes of achieving global screenings.

Junjo said that Shah Latif’s philosophy transcends geographical boundaries, having global relevance, making it necessary to be accessible to a young audience unfamiliar with the Sindhi language or Bittai’s work.

Says creative director Farooq Perio Ganj is “a dream that took two years of hard work to bring to life.”

During the event, the contribution of the board of the Endowment Fund Trust, including Jahangir Siddiqui and Abdul Hameed Akhund, along with JS Bank, BankIslami, Habib University and others, was acknowledged for their support in making the film.

Concluding, the organizers expressed hope that more such projects would help strengthen the connection of the youth with the history, culture and spiritual traditions of Sindh.

They said films in particular are transcendent beyond time and language, making them important in preserving heritage.