SYNOPSIS

A Pakistani-American woman’s life changes when a pair of magical glasses help her reevaluate what it means to find real love and happiness in her world. Sabah, a young Pakistani-American woman returns to her family home amidst the chaos of her sister Imaan’s wedding preparations. Sabah’s arrival coincides with her receiving new eyeglasses that help her experience a newfound clarity and insight into the people around her. Through a blend of humor, introspection, and family dynamics, the film explores the intricacies of cultural identity and the complexities of modern relationships. Sabah’s choices become a reflection of her own authentic self, ultimately demonstrating the power of embracing love, individuality, and the vibrant connections that bind families and relationships together.

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT

In our journey to create stories about young Pakistani girls, we discovered a great desire to write what we believe is a tribute to ourselves, a tribute to the opinionated, conflicted, and vibrant Pakistani-American Muslim woman. The truth about the social and cultural complexities of Pakistan is that they are not limited to those who live in the country. The norms and practices of the region are so deeply entrenched in patriotic and familial duty as well as religious tradition, that these habits and beliefs tend to seep into the day to day choices of every single person from that region, and, often, every single person descended from that region –– i.e. they transcend generations and distances. We illustrate the ways in which this cultural belief also pushes itself into the communities and generations living away from Pakistan, almost more so there, in the diaspora, because of the need to preserve a sense of “home” away from home. “Criteria Kya Hai?” is a small piece of the lives we, as young Pakistani American girls, have to lead on the daily, marred by generational social and cultural beliefs that are strengthened in a community trying to define itself in a foreign land. This isn’t like the stereotypical Muslim or Pakistani representation that we’ve seen on screen before. Our character’s are strengthened by their culture and religion, and find clarity within it. They communicate openly with their parents about their love lives and have relationships based on trust, not fear. It is told in a way we would like ourselves to be portrayed on screen, as regular, flawed characters who are forced into a late coming of age and yet, still, persevere and find themselves.