Watch Song of Lahore

Song of Lahore is a 2015 documentary film directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and Andy Schocken. The movie tells the story of a group of traditional Pakistani musicians who come together to create a music album and participate in a concert in New York City. The film focuses on the members of the Sachal Studios Orchestra, who are determined to revive the lost art of Pakistani classical music.

The movie starts in Lahore, the capital of Punjab province in Pakistan, where we are introduced to the members of the Sachal Orchestra. The orchestra is led by Izzat Majeed, a wealthy businessman who is passionate about preserving the traditional music of Pakistan. The movie showcases the dedication and talent of the musicians as they rehearse and record in the studio. We are also given an insight into the challenges faced by the musicians such as poverty, censorship, and the changing trends in popular music. Despite all these hurdles, the musicians remain committed to their craft and continue to play beautiful music.

The film then shifts to New York City, where the Sachal Orchestra is invited to perform at the Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis, the world-renowned jazz musician. The orchestra members are excited to travel to America, a country where they dream of finding broader recognition for their music. In New York, the musicians are faced with a culture shock and struggle to adapt to the fast-paced lifestyle of the city. The film depicts their journey as they prepare for the concert and rehearse with Wynton Marsalis.

The highlight of the film is the Sachal Orchestra's performance at the Lincoln Center. The musicians blend Pakistani classical and folk music with jazz and create a fusion that leaves the audience spellbound. The concert is a huge success, and the Sachal Orchestra receives a standing ovation. The movie ends with the musicians reflecting on their journey and the importance of preserving their musical heritage.

Song of Lahore is a tribute to the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan and its music. Through the eyes of the musicians, we get a glimpse of the many challenges faced by artists in Pakistan. We see how they struggle to keep their music alive and the impact of censorship on their art. The film is a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural diversity and the need to preserve it.

The cinematography of the film is breathtaking, capturing the beauty of Lahore and New York. The music, too, is breathtaking, and the fusion of Pakistani classical music with jazz is nothing short of magical. Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and Andy Schocken have done an excellent job of bringing to life the story of Sachal Orchestra and have created a powerful cinematic experience that will stay with you long after the movie is over.

In conclusion, Song of Lahore is a beautiful documentary that celebrates the power of music and the resilience of the human spirit. Through the Sachal Orchestra's story, we are reminded of the importance of preserving cultural heritage and the need to support artists and musicians. The movie is a must-watch for anyone who loves music, culture, or humanity.

Song of Lahore is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 69.