Watch Kids' Reviews of
MANZAR: A PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST

Beautifully created documentary about Kafeel Ahmad Ansari, one of Delhi's last remaining hand-sign painters and Urdu calligraphy artist.

This short film offers an inside look at Kafeel Ahman Ansari's work, life and life philosophy. It is lovingly shot, with great camera work, audio recording and editing. The one shortfall is the background music which is very repetitive and doesn't add much to the film. However, it doesn't detract from the charm of the film and the loving portrait that the high school student filmmaker, Danicca Bajaj, has created.

I give this film 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!

Beautifully created documentary about Kafeel Ahmad Ansari, one of Delhi's last remaining hand-sign painters and Urdu calligraphy artist.

This short film offers an inside look at Kafeel Ahman Ansari's work, life and life philosophy. It is lovingly shot, with great camera work, audio recording and editing. The one shortfall is the background music which is very repetitive and doesn't add much to the film. However, it doesn't detract from the charm of the film and the loving portrait that the high school student filmmaker, Danicca Bajaj, has created.

I give this film 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!

Manzar traces the life of Kafeel Ahmad Ansari, one of Delhi's last hand-sign painters and Urdu calligraphers. Through intimate conversations, the film journeys into his past--from a childhood surrounded by artists to mastering brushwork that demands absolute precision. Today, Kafeel stands at a crossroads as digital boards and vinyl prints replace traditional craftsmanship. Despite these shifts, he continues painting by hand, believing technology cannot replicate the beauty of human touch. The film captures the dignity of an artist fighting to keep a dying visual culture alive, offering a poignant reflection on memory, modernity, and the urgent need to preserve heritage before it fades.