Umair Nasir Ali’s Nayab has secured a spot at the South Asian International Film Festival of Florida, as confirmed by the festival’s website. Furthermore, the Pakistani film joins a lineup of 26 movies, including Me, Raani by Shivani Mehra, This Is Our Time by Debra Gussin, and Binodiini by Ram Kamal Mukherjee.
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Originally released in January last year, Nayab stars Yumna Zaidi, Javed Sheikh, and Usama Khan in lead roles, telling a gripping coming-of-age story. Moreover, the film quickly gained attention for its refreshing narrative and strong performances, earning widespread praise from both audiences and critics alike.
Set in Karachi, the film follows a determined young woman who dreams of breaking stereotypes and playing cricket for Pakistan’s national team. Meanwhile, her brother, a former rising star, struggles to confront his past while navigating the city’s gritty cricket scene.
As a result, while they battle societal expectations and personal obstacles, their unwavering bond and Karachi’s chaotic history become their greatest sources of strength. Additionally, the film captures the passion for cricket while shedding light on gender biases, ambition, and resilience in a male-dominated sport.
On Nayab’s one-year anniversary, Umair reflected on the film’s journey in an Instagram post, calling it a monumental chapter in his career. Consequently, he wrote, “It was my first feature film—a story that felt right and deeply resonated with me,” while thanking his supporters.
He credited the project for refining his skills as a director, allowing him to shape the storyline and work passionately with actors. Furthermore, he shared, “I carried detailed notes for every actor, highlighting their strengths and refining areas that needed nuance,” explaining his meticulous process.
Likewise, Umair acknowledged his team’s dedication, emphasizing how each collaborator poured their heart and soul into bringing Nayab to life. Therefore, he expressed, “Nayab wasn’t just a project; it became a part of me,” showing deep gratitude for his cast and crew.
To wrap up, he thanked Vertical Cinema for creating a video to celebrate Nayab‘s anniversary, appreciating the film’s growing impact worldwide.
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