2024 | Pakistan | Documentary

Make It Look Real

  • Pashto, Urdu, Hazargi English, French 67 mins
  • Director | Danial Shah
  • Writer | Danial Shah
  • Producer | Danial Shah, Daan Milius, Ellen Meiresonne

STATUS: Released

This film is currently not available.   

At Watan Digital Color Photography, subjects enter the photo studio as everyday people and emerge as royalty. Watan, the shop’s namesake photographer, uses his camera and extensive photo editing tools to transform customers into celebrities and heroes. Here, womanizers and soldiers alike bear assault rifles crowned with roses. Despite its artifice, this portraiture style is widely coveted. Director Danial Shah dissects Watan’s interventions through interviews with Watan, probing his uncanny techniques and examining its popularity.

Photo Manipulation Identity Exploration Societal Aspirations Cultural Commentary Personal Transformation
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