The Dubai screening of the critically acclaimed Pakistani documentary Songs of the Sufi at the Theatre of Digital Art (TODA) on January 12, 2025, proved to be a resounding success. Attended by around 200 guests, the event received widespread appreciation for its captivating storytelling and musical artistry.
Ayesha Imtiaz, CEO and Founder of Poetic Strokes, commented, “This event has been a celebration of art, culture, and community. We are thrilled by the audience’s response and are grateful to our partners and participants for making this evening unforgettable and giving us the confidence to continue to bring meaningful, inspiring events to the UAE”.
The highlight of the evening was the attendance of His Excellency, the Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE, who praised the documentary, saying, “Songs of the Sufibeautifully encapsulates the spirit of Sufism and its universal message of love, unity, and tolerance. Events like these play a vital role in projecting the image of Pakistan, showcasing our rich cultural heritage and the timeless traditions that unite us as humans.”
The event, presented by Habib Bank AG Zurich Dubai and organized by Poetic Strokes, featured an engaging panel discussion moderated by the renowned author and filmmaker Saba Karim. The audience showed great enthusiasm, participating actively in the Q&A session to delve deeper into the significance of qawwali and its cultural impact.
Jamal Alvi, CEO of Habib Bank AG Zurich Dubai, expressed his delight at supporting the event. “This film is a tribute to our shared heritage and the timeless art of qawwali. As Habib Bank completes 50 years in the UAE, this event serves as the grand finale of our celebrations. Qawwali is a music genre very close to the hearts of the Habib family, and it is our privilege to help bring this extraordinary documentary to Dubai and foster appreciation for this sacred art form,” he said.
Producer Kamran Anwar and co-producer Katherine, who were also panelists, shared their thoughts.
“It’s heartwarming to see such a positive reception in Dubai,” said Kamran Anwar. “Our aim was to spotlight the incredible tradition of qawwali and the families who keep it alive. Seeing this connect with audiences here is truly gratifying.” Katherine added, “The questions from the audience reflected a genuine curiosity and love for the art form, which is exactly what we hoped to inspire.”
