Join us for a screening of Mera Lyari, followed by a Q+A with Director Abu Aleeha.
Set in the historic neighbourhood of Lyari, Karachi, Mera Lyari is an uplifting sports drama that follows two young women determined to pursue their dreams through football despite the social, cultural and familial barriers that stand in their way. Guided by a former football captain whose own playing career was cut short, Afsana and Kushmala train in secret, finding strength, friendship and purpose on the pitch as they challenge expectations and fight for a future of their own making.
Directed by Abu Aleeha and starring Ayesha Omar and Dananeer Mobeen, the film offers a powerful portrait of resilience, ambition and community. Shot in Lyari with many local residents and footballers appearing in the film, Mera Lyari seeks to present a nuanced and authentic vision of a place often defined by external narratives, celebrating instead its rich culture, sporting heritage and the determination of its people.
At its heart, Mera Lyari is a story about opportunity, belonging and the transformative power of collective endeavour. Through football, its protagonists discover not only a path towards self-determination but also a means of reimagining what is possible for themselves and their community.
Screened as part of the National Festival of Making as the World Cup captures the imagination of people across the globe, Mera Lyari resonates strongly with the Festival’s celebration of creativity, identity and place. The film foregrounds stories of people shaping their futures through skill, determination and collaboration, revealing the extraordinary potential that exists within communities too often overlooked.
Directed by Abu Aleeha | Pakistan | 90 mins | Subtitled | Age 15+
Presented in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and the University of Lancashire.
Price Guidance
We are offering this talk on a ‘pay what you feel’ basis, with the option to select the price that feels most appropriate to you. Whatever price you choose will give you the same experience.
The price options are: £0, £5
No proof of status is required – it is self-administered on a trust basis. We hope those who can will pay the standard ticket price, and the affordable options will be accessed by those who need them.
The National Festival of Making is delivered through a combination of public funding, partnerships, sponsorship and ticket income. Revenue from ticket sales is reinvested into Festival of Making CIC to support the delivery of future commissions, workshops, talks and cultural programmes, helping us keep much of the festival free and accessible to all.