A Ticket to paradise

The story revolves around Siraj, a compassionate individual from the Bengali community, who unexpectedly wins two Umrah tickets, igniting hope within his aging parents, who have longed to fulfill their lifelong dream of performing the sacred pilgrimage. However, their excitement is short-lived when they discover that they lack the necessary National Identification Cards (NIC) required to obtain passports.

Desperate to find a solution, Siraj ventures to the Passport office, only to learn that an NIC is indispensable. In a state of despair, he seeks the help of Mustaqeem, a notorious back-door agent, recommended by a friend. Mustaqeem offers to create the much-needed NIC for Siraj's parents, but at an exorbitant cost. Determined to fulfill his parents' dreams, Siraj puts his deceased brother's boat on mortgage to secure the hefty sum.

As anticipation builds, they receive a letter that evokes excitement, but it turns out to be a cruel twist of fate—an Umrah ticket they won in a television show. The devastating truth unfolds when Siraj arrives at Mustaqeem's shop to collect the NIC, only to discover that the agent has absconded with the money, leaving the premises deserted. Siraj's hopes are shattered, and he returns home, carrying a model of Khana-e-Kaaba, a symbol of lost dreams.

In a heart-wrenching moment, Siraj shares the tragic news with his elderly parents, further deepening their pain. Having already sold their deceased son's ship, their last beacon of hope is extinguished. Determined to find an alternative, Siraj reluctantly decides to return the Umrah ticket and uses the money to pay off the mortgage. As fate would have it, Siraj's boss presents him with an offer to journey illegally on a ship, assuring him that all arrangements will be taken care of.

Overwhelmed by desperation and driven by their unwavering desire to fulfill their dreams, Siraj and his parents leave their home behind, embarking on a treacherous journey of human trafficking. As they navigate the perilous waters of illegal migration, the film forces viewers to confront the harrowing realities faced by countless individuals seeking a better life while grappling with questions of identity, suffering, human rights, and the lengths one would go to in pursuit of their dreams.

  • Awais Hameed
    Director
  • Awais Hameed
    Writer
  • Moshin Tariq
    Writer
  • Awais Hameed
    Producer
  • Zulfiqar Ghouri
    Key Cast
    "Siraj"
  • Zainab Zahid
    Key Cast
    "Zohra Khatun"
  • Anwar Sagar
    Key Cast
    " Islamuddin"
  • Hameed Ali shah
    Key Cast
    "Siraj Boss"
  • Awais Hameed
    Cinematographer
  • Mohsin Tariq
    Art Director
  • Mahir Karim Ali
    Script supervisor
  • AJ Edwards
    Location Sound Recordist
  • Asad Abbas
    Production Manager
  • Shayan Mukhi & Jahanzaib Khalid
    Line producer
  • Rameez Ahmed Soomoro
    1st Asst. Director
  • Mehdi Merchant
    2nd Asst. Director
  • Mazhar
    Asst. Art Director
  • Awais Hameed
    Film Editor
  • Shehmir Khan
    Sound Edit and Score
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    17 minutes 30 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    July 12, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    1,500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Pakistan
  • Country of Filming:
    Pakistan
  • Language:
    Urdu
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    4:3
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - SZABIST KARACHI
  • karachi
    Pakistan
    September 17, 2023
    IVS FILM FESTIVAL
    Official selection
Director Biography - Awais Hameed

In the heart of a small town, a visionary film director named Awais Hameed weaves magic with his camera. Through his short and personal films, he breathes life into untold stories, leaving audiences spellbound by his unique storytelling prowess. With a masterful touch of authenticity and a sprinkle of emotional resonance, Awais Hameed has become a beacon of recognition and acclaim. In just a fleeting moment, his films ignite profound emotions, reminding us of the profound impact of cinema and the art of storytelling. Brace yourself for a captivating journey, for Awais Hameed is here to paint the world with his cinematic wizardry.

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Director Statement

“A Ticket to paradise" is a deeply personal film for me. It explores the universal longing for hope and the sacrifices we make to fulfill our dreams. Through Siraj and his parents' journey, I wanted to capture the immense love within families and the unwavering spirit that drives us forward, even in the face of despair.

This film is a reflection of the human condition and the profound impact of societal barriers. It asks us to confront our own privilege and consider the lengths we would go to in pursuit of our dreams. Through intimate storytelling and evocative visuals, I hope to evoke empathy and ignite conversations about identity, human rights, and the pursuit of a better life.

“A Ticket to paradise" is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of compassion, and the unbreakable bonds that hold us together. It is my hope that this film touches hearts, sparks introspection, and fosters understanding and change in our world.