Qandeel Baloch-Inspired Film Selected for UK’s South Asian Film Season 2026
Pakistani film Wakhri, inspired by the life of slain social media influencer Qandeel Baloch, has been selected for the South … Read More The post Qandeel Baloch-Inspired Film Selected for UK’s South Asian Film Season 2026 appeared first on ProPakistani .
The Pakistani film Wakhri, inspired by the life of slain social media influencer Qandeel Baloch, has been chosen for the South Asian Film Season 2026 in the United Kingdom. Organized by the British broadcaster Channel 4, the season features nine films from Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. Wakhri, directed by Iram Parveen Bilal and starring Faryal Mehmood, is set to premiere on October 5, with streaming options following the broadcast.
The film revolves around Noor Malik, a widowed schoolteacher whose strong opinions about life as a woman in Pakistan make her a viral sensation on social media. Although released in Pakistan in 2024, Wakhri draws inspiration from Baloch’s life rather than a direct representation of it. Producers are thrilled with the film's selection, seeing it as a testament to their hard work.
Wakhri's inclusion alongside other acclaimed titles like All We Imagine as Light suggests that Pakistani stories can captivate audiences worldwide. The film's international journey provides motivation for filmmakers who struggle within Pakistan's cinema industry. Wakhri made its world debut at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah in December 2023.
This year's South Asian Film Season delves into topics such as class disparities, discrimination, political conflicts, and gender inequality.
Written by urgent.news from ProPakistani's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
