Taking place from March 14 to 23, the BAFTA- and BIFA-qualifying Manchester Film Festival serves as a platform to celebrate the artistic excellence and inclusivity of independent filmmakers.
Global humanitarian aid charity, Human Appeal, has announced that its feature-length documentary, Pot of Gold, will premiere at the prestigious Manchester Film Festival. In collaboration with Manchester-based Chief Productions, the sustainability-focused documentary offers a rare glimpse into the lives of beekeepers in the mountains of Kashmir, Pakistan, a region rarely seen by the outside world.
The film, Pot of Gold, marks the first foreign production to be filmed in Azad Jammu & Kashmir, an area known for its rich history and natural beauty, but seldom explored by filmmakers. The documentary follows the story of Shakeel Ahmed Khan, a beekeeper in Kashmir, and his peers who face the devastating effects of climate change, including the aftermath of the country’s most destructive monsoon season. The documentary emphasizes the vulnerability and resilience of these local communities and highlights the critical role of sustainability in the region’s survival.
The Pot of Gold documentary takes viewers deep into the unseen valleys of Kashmir, portraying both the environmental and human struggles faced by the people in the wake of a rapidly changing climate. By focusing on the experiences of local beekeepers, the film underscores the importance of sustainable practices in the fight against climate change.
Taking place from March 14 to 23, the BAFTA- and BIFA-qualifying Manchester Film Festival serves as a platform to celebrate the artistic excellence and inclusivity of independent filmmakers. Pot of Gold has been selected for its unique and powerful narrative, which showcases the vital connection between nature and human perseverance in the face of adversity.
Produced, co-directed, and written by Billy Offland, alongside director of photography Olivier Richomme, the documentary is executive produced by Colin Offland and Nate Camponi, with Alan Hamilton and James Cross contributing as writers. The film’s creators hope to use this premiere as a platform to raise awareness about the ongoing climate crisis, particularly in vulnerable regions like Kashmir.
Owais Khan, Deputy CEO of Human Appeal, shared, “Working on this project with Chief Productions has been an incredible experience. We are honored to share the stories of these communities and highlight the importance of sustainable practices. Through Pot of Gold, we aim to bring attention to the urgency of the climate crisis and inspire positive change.”
Colin Offland, CEO of Chief Productions, added, “Pot of Gold sheds light on the often-overlooked stories of those at the frontlines of climate change. This project was both a creative challenge and a privilege, especially considering the rare access we had to the people and culture of Kashmir. We’re proud to have our film recognized at the Manchester Film Festival and to bring such important stories to a global audience.”
With its premiere at the Manchester Film Festival, Pot of Gold is poised to make a significant impact, not only by showcasing the stunning beauty and rich heritage of Kashmir but also by urging a global conversation about the importance of sustainability and community resilience in the face of climate change.
