'Wakhri' is made by and for our people, says director

Iram Parveen Bilal's film, starring Faryal Mehmood, unravels the story of a widowed school teacher

Anticipation reaches a crescendo as the highly awaited Pakistani film, Wakhri, prepares for its national premiere, finally unveiling the cinematic production to the local audience, stated a press release. The motion picture is set to be showcased across Pakistan on January 5, 2024, promising a cinematic experience like no other.

The internationally recognised film is penned and directed by the visionary Iram Parveen Bilal. Additionally, following the success of Maula Jatt, Nadeem Mandviwala has also come on board, signing with Wakhri for its journey to the silver screen.

While talking about her latest venture, the award-winning director says, “Wakhri is first and foremost made by and for our people; it is my love letter to the women of Pakistan and to allies around the world. It is a cry for all marginalized voices to be heard. I began making films to connect with humanity and to explore complex concepts alongside my audiences. Securing a nationwide release for this cherished film stands as a crowning achievement for our relentlessly dedicated team.”

The film unravels the story of a widowed school teacher whose life takes an unexpected turn when her unfiltered opinions on social media catapult her into the limelight overnight. As an unlikely influencer, she grapples with the complexities of managing archaic norms, concealed identities, and the upbringing of her 10-year-old son. 'Wakhri' becomes a poignant exploration of women's struggles to express themselves and claim their space, both in the physical and digital realms.

The journey to bring Wakhri to the silver screen has been marked by significant milestones, including participation at the Locarno Film Festival's Open Doors Hub in 2018, the Cannes Cinefondation L'Atelier in 2019, and a presence at the Busan Asian Project Market in 2022. The film also recently participated in the prestigious film festival, the Red Sea International Film Festival where several renowned international stars showcased their work as well.

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