Global humanitarian aid charity Human Appeal today announces that its feature-length documentary film, Pot of Gold, has been selected to premiere at the world-renowned Manchester Film Festival.
In partnership with Manchester-based Chief Productions, Pot of Gold is a sustainability-focused documentary that centres around the locally-driven efforts of beekeepers in the mountains of Kashmir, Pakistan. It is the first foreign film ever shot in Azad Jammu & Kashmir – a misunderstood, historically rich and rarely-visited region of Pakistan.
Taking audiences to the unseen valleys of Kashmir, Pot of Gold tells the heart-warming story of beekeeper Shakeel Ahmed Khan and his fellow beekeepers as they find themselves on the frontlines of environmental chaos following the most destructive monsoon the country has ever seen. As the impacts of climate change destabilise the region, Pot of Gold highlights the vulnerability and resilience of local communities, underscores the importance of local sustainability projects, and depicts the wisdom and resilience of the Kashmiri people.
Now in its tenth year, the BAFTA and BIFA qualifying Manchester Film Festival is taking place from the 14th – 23rd March, and places a cultural spotlight on independent filmmakers to celebrate artistic excellence, inclusivity and innovation.
The film from Chief Productions and Human Appeal is produced, authored and co-directed by Billy Offland alongside co-director and director of photography Olivier Richomme. Colin Offland and Nate Camponi are executive producers, Alan Hamilton and James Cross are writers.
Owais Khan, Deputy CEO, Human Appeal comments,
“Committing this project to film with Chief has been an amazing experience, both to relay the stories of local communities and to highlight the importance of our relationship with nature through sustainable practices. All of our work at Human Appeal has the goal of improving the lives of vulnerable people, and we’re delighted that Pot of Gold has been selected to premiere at the Manchester Film Festival. By bringing this compelling story to wider audiences and raising awareness of the ongoing climate crisis we have the opportunity to make positive change.”
Tickets to the Manchester Film Festival are available to buynow.
