Two Pakistani films selected for Cannes World Film Festival 2023

Pakistan's film industry continues to make its mark on the global map in 2023. Cannes World Film Festival has recently announced the list of nominees for January and it includes not one, but two Pakistani films: Noor, directed by Umer Adil and Pehchaan by Mohammad Ahsan.

Taking to Instagram, the official handle of the film festival shared the list of nominees for 2023. "We're pleased to announce the nominees for January 2023! Congratulations to all of you! We will be announcing all the winners shortly," read the caption of the post.

The statement also revealed that a few undisclosed films have already won accolades. It said, "Some categories have direct winners who are not among today's nominees and who will be announced the same day as all the other winners!"

As per Adil's Instagram, the film Noor, which has been nominated for the Best Health Film Award is a "heartfelt narrative bringing to light a world in which many still struggle at the hands of cultural myths and taboos, especially children, who in their vulnerability and innocence silently suffer the most." Written by Farah Usman, the film also features Sarwat Gilani, Omair Rana, Tanisha Shameem, Mizna Waqas and Tasneem Ansari in pivotal roles.

While most of the details about Pehchaan are still under wraps, it has been nominated for the Best Human Rights Film Award at the festival.

Among others, Suga Rush by Valentino Flimon, Sooner or Later by Karim Mohammad Amini, My Gift by Johannes Arro, The Happy Statue by Tony Pham, Home by Shari Coleman and Kindred by Jad Chatila also made it to the list of nominees.

The official website of Cannes World Film Festival states that the "monthly winners are automatically entered in the annual competition for a chance to receive a prestigious custom-made metal statuette," and have the opportunity to have their film screened in Cannes, the world's capital of Cinema.

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