A very touching and intimate portrait,I love the way the creators of the film, with Arshad's direction interspersed photos, home movies, archival footage and animation, to make this film a wider for the eyes, I often find documentaries pedantic but not this one, thoroughly entertaining and but charged with human emotion and sentiments. i can relate to the immigrant experience when we, also a south asian family, moved here to Canada from the UK in 68. I identifies a great deal with the isolation and the racism Arshad experienced. My daughter of 15, also, really enjoyed it, thank you for this gift.
37 Reviews
The most moving film I have ever watched.
scottdance-358097 January 2018
Warning: Spoilers
As a gay man myself, I was affected by this film on a grand multitude of levels. Abu is a sweet, comedic, emotional documentary about the life of Arshad Khan, a gay Pakistani Muslim. Abu defies all conventions of a documentary, by combining archive family footage, eye-catching animations and photos, which are all neatly strung together by the gentle voice of Arshad, you are taken on a journey from your seat. Essentially one is taken on an experience as stimulating visually as it is emotionally.
Speaking of which, audience members experience every little emotion that Arshad endured throughout his life: sadness, anger, bitterness, resentment, happiness, joy, love, longing, which all terminate at the miracle of forgiveness. I was lucky to see this film, in the BFI, for a Q&A preview. One thing that really stung my heart, was that many South Asians who made up the audience said to him, how he had told their life stories and that they were all crying throughout the film.
What made me appreciate this film so much, was that it shone a much-needed light over a small segment of the World's LGBTQ community. I learned that while all homosexuals have struggled, gay men from south Asian countries like India and Pakistan bear the brunt of emotional strain and heartbreak out of everyone in the LGBTQ, community, because they know that they're different, but just want someone to love and to be loved in return by that special someone, friends and family.
Abu utilises the powers of empathy and culture and presents its magical narrative in such an inclusive way through the hand-held footage and intricate animations, that one cannot help but be drawn in and walk in his very own footsteps. As an ending point, the most powerful thing about this film is that anyone of any race, colour or creed will be affected by this film, because it's all about an outcast trying to find his place, both in his family home and the many worlds in which he walks.
Speaking of which, audience members experience every little emotion that Arshad endured throughout his life: sadness, anger, bitterness, resentment, happiness, joy, love, longing, which all terminate at the miracle of forgiveness. I was lucky to see this film, in the BFI, for a Q&A preview. One thing that really stung my heart, was that many South Asians who made up the audience said to him, how he had told their life stories and that they were all crying throughout the film.
What made me appreciate this film so much, was that it shone a much-needed light over a small segment of the World's LGBTQ community. I learned that while all homosexuals have struggled, gay men from south Asian countries like India and Pakistan bear the brunt of emotional strain and heartbreak out of everyone in the LGBTQ, community, because they know that they're different, but just want someone to love and to be loved in return by that special someone, friends and family.
Abu utilises the powers of empathy and culture and presents its magical narrative in such an inclusive way through the hand-held footage and intricate animations, that one cannot help but be drawn in and walk in his very own footsteps. As an ending point, the most powerful thing about this film is that anyone of any race, colour or creed will be affected by this film, because it's all about an outcast trying to find his place, both in his family home and the many worlds in which he walks.
Personal and full of heart
beccanaisby11 January 2020
It covers many important and deeply personal themes of sexuality and homosexuality in a conservative Muslim family, sexual abuse, the partition in India and the creation of Pakistan, grief and family bonds as well as racism. I watched this at the film festival in Auroville and really enjoyed every moment. Highly recommended
One of the best documentaries of the year!
sophieasselin19 April 2018
Yesterday, I watched Abu for the second time. At the theatre, I met a white gentleman, in his 50s or 60s, who was also watching the movie for the second time. He had discovered ABU at Fantasia in 2017 and had been hoping to watch it again ever since. He told me the movie really inspired and moved him.
The gentleman and I agreed that the movie was even better the second time around and that we should watch it again a third time. If you haven't seen ABU yet, you should definitely go. It is a thought-provoking movie that undoubtly deserves to be called "one of the best documentaries of the year".
The gentleman and I agreed that the movie was even better the second time around and that we should watch it again a third time. If you haven't seen ABU yet, you should definitely go. It is a thought-provoking movie that undoubtly deserves to be called "one of the best documentaries of the year".
Raw and personal
germeniola4 May 2018
So moving
laraibasdaf7 March 2019
Understanding the power of forgiveness
alizaidi-0066624 September 2020
Beautifully narrated and orchestrated film which presents the troublesome relationship with an honesty that evokes all sorts of emotions and jumbles them up. My heart oscillated between empathy/apathy towards the Abu (father). A moving journey which filled my eyes with tears and archival footage which made me sing to the songs!!
Bravo for sharing this brutal and magical journey of letting go!
Bravo for sharing this brutal and magical journey of letting go!
Fantastic!
monicavereana-8649126 March 2019
We hosted Arshad and his film at our secondary school. Not only was the film inspiring and moving (with a touch of humour), but his approachability after the film was even more so. The students were so eager to ask questions (about his personal journey, as well as the film-making process), and Arshad was thorough and respectful in his answers. A great experience for our students all around!
Great film!
A Must Watch Movie
mailsnkr28 June 2020
Today I watched Abu Movie. Wonderful movie. Director describes each and every sensible things in such a way that which touches viewer's heart and soul. Great work. Thank you Arshad. It's not only Abu's story, it's story of me, you and all. All the best to whole team.
Brilliant and touching
irfanhaque10 April 2019
Arshad Khan has made a movie that touches immigration, family values, and faith. Very well documented from childhood to now, a movie that took over 30 years to make by using so many personal footage. It was like this movie was meant to be made from the first day his father bought the Camera.
What a privilege
ashleaabailey19 March 2019
It felt like such a privilege to be taken into Arshad's life in such a beautiful and intimate way. It is so important for people to share their stories - an art that seems to be lost despite our willingness to share our lives so regularly on social media platforms. But the problem with our willingness to do this is that it only provides a narrow window into who we are and not a full, honest recount of the experiences that make us who we are. When we sit and listen, with great focus and intent to the stories of others, we begin to fine tune our ability to be empathic, a necessary human skill. Abu:Father reminded me of this. It is such a beautifully raw film complete with authentic documentation of Arshad's life in Pakistan and his migration to Canada and his struggle with figuring out his sexuality and how it fits in with his religion and highly important family values.
With our country claiming to be so open to newcomers, we need to spend more time listening to the conflict that newcomers encounter as it relates to identity and various experiences of intersectionality. We think we know, but we don't. We can't know unless we are ready and willing to listen. Abu: Father is so compelling; I was captivated from its first few lines.
This film is important and I was proud to host Arshad Khan and bring his movie to a group of high school students in Ontario.
A genuine and purposeful film that feeds the soul
oliver-9093229 March 2020
The film gives a very honest and open window into who Arshad is; and at the end of it, I felt heartfelt happyness for him. Through the dark parts and to the end, there's a very calm, wise and reconciled tone to the film. It's gripping and left my soul enriched. A well made and purposeful film.
Powerful and personal
greggblachford3 June 2020
I loved this film, especially the clips from Arshad's home movies in Pakistan from the 1980s onwards. Stunning. What a life story so beautifully and evocatively told. Immigration story. Coming out story. Family relationships/dynamics story. A must see.
Incredibly Powerful Story
smkamalik18 September 2018
ABU - A Beautiful Film
sandyitaly4 March 2024
Yes, a Beautiful film that traces the lives of a family forced to leave India during Partition to relocate to Pakistan and then eventually to Canada. The filmmaker tells real stories of his family members trying to integrate into a this new country. Most of the commentary is by the film maker as well some family members all of whom tell their own stories about adjustment, change, disappointment. The subjects of sexual abuse, rejection, love, alienation, being gay and so much more are woven beautifully by the film maker with an amazing film archive of Arshad's family. The passing of Abu and his final words to his family - addressed primarily to Arshad are moving and extraordinary. A full circle story about the real life of an immigrant family all trying to do their best in a new country.
beautifull and touching
koenholemans17 April 2022
amazing film
jonahlevy-6071819 November 2021
I felt as if though I was travelling through life with Arshad. This film was amazing and very touching. Arshad is honest and so amazing at communicating his story and the lessons he has learnt throughout life. I could not recommend it more!!
Brave and deeply personal
sabikanoorali22 March 2021
This movie definitely left me in absolute awe at the dexterity and vulnerability with which Khan filmed this story. I feel that personal stories are Brough to the fore-front by the bravest people. This movie sparked so much reflection within myself - of my privileges, I realised the ease with which I have been fortunate enough to live my life. However, most importantly, it sparked a conversation with my family about the very real problems presented in this documentary. It teaches one the virtue of forgiveness, of perserverance and most importantly, of empathy.
Brave and inspirational
ibrahim_alavi22 March 2021
I'm not always hooked onto documentaries but Arshad's clever use of archival footage, a brilliant sound design, and stellar direction lead the documentary to just indulge you into the world itself. I truly felt I was sitting in the same space as Arshad, listening to him and his family and just unpacking all the hurt, pain, trauma and suffering with them. I applaud Arshad for putting his life out there, in hopes of perhaps inspiring many others who feel the same way as he does, especially in a religiously motivated country like Pakistan. Not only is Arshad a strong character, but the complicated relationship with his father and the moment of reaching peace with the situation while (spoiler) the father is on his death bed was something that should be up there for studying film. The level of intimacy, emotional connection, and a heavily relatable dynamic from a Desi perspective just pushes that scene alone as some of the best work I've seen. There are many many technical feats that anyone watching can figure, just from the get go the documentary is visually stunning, aesthetically presented, and uses visual language and sound design to really just touch the right cords. But it's his and the subject's vulnerability, and the beautiful way with which Arshad carries this film from one minute to the next - which is the real winner in the end. It's almost like reading a book, or being read one. Either way, it was one hell of an experience. I laughed. I cried. By the end I was speechless. I honestly still have too many emotions to rightly be able to put them here. Maybe I'll rewatch and do this again, but for now, thankyou Arshad! This was a masterpiece.
Personal and heartfelt movie
arezoosadr-8473724 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I love this movie. We had the chance to watch this movie in our class with the director's presence. It was an amazing opportunity. He is a very humble and lovely person.
As an Iranian woman I could identify with this film in so many levels. The complexity of relationships within a family; love, hate and forgiveness was beautifully portrayed in this film.
The storytelling and the cinematography was beautiful. The part where his father dies really got me. Many of us were silently crying. I really hope this film gets the attention it deserves.
Very well done and hope to see more amazing work like this.
As an Iranian woman I could identify with this film in so many levels. The complexity of relationships within a family; love, hate and forgiveness was beautifully portrayed in this film.
The storytelling and the cinematography was beautiful. The part where his father dies really got me. Many of us were silently crying. I really hope this film gets the attention it deserves.
Very well done and hope to see more amazing work like this.
Breathtakingly Beautiful
rahimjetha15 April 2020
An honest, heartfelt story of hope and acceptance
fahadja-4443720 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Arshad Khan is a gifted story teller. Through his own life story, he leaves you with heightened self-respect, acceptance and hope. The archival footage of his time in Islamabad to living his teenage years in denial, and then finally coming to terms with his sexuality - makes a film worth watching. For some, this might just be an ordinary docu-film, but for me, and for so many other south asian, muslim kids - this film is so much more. For the first time, I felt represented.
Arshad's relationship with his father, Abu, starts off rocky but then it comes to a full circle, giving the audience closure as he pens a note saying "I love my children." At no point does Khan blame his parents for the way they acted, for he is empathetic and understanding to why they feel the way they do. Such an honest, heartfelt story that leaves you feeling satisfied, hopeful, and curious as to what Khan makes in future!
Arshad's relationship with his father, Abu, starts off rocky but then it comes to a full circle, giving the audience closure as he pens a note saying "I love my children." At no point does Khan blame his parents for the way they acted, for he is empathetic and understanding to why they feel the way they do. Such an honest, heartfelt story that leaves you feeling satisfied, hopeful, and curious as to what Khan makes in future!
Painfully Beautiful
boruahsnehasb6 February 2022
"Abu" took me on an emotional journey, touching nerves and making me feel so many things at once. The songs, the scenes taken from various movies perfectly complimented and helped move the story ahead. Arshad Khan's "Abu" goes beyond borders and appeals to the child in us who has, at some point, struggled with our parents, with all the added struggles Arshad faces on his journey to self discovery. It is a movie that still has me overwhelmed with emotions, and I would love for more people to watch it and experience the plethora of emotions it has to offer.
Brilliant film!
kinzairfan19 March 2021
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