Qandeel Baloch-inspired ‘Wakhri’ set to premiere at SXSW film festival

In a momentous announcement, Pakistan's latest festival darling Wakhri: One of a Kind is set to have its North American premiere on International Women’s Day, March 8, at the esteemed South by Southwest (SXSW). Directed by Iram Parveen Bilal, the film was released across cinemas in Pakistan on January 5.

The film’s producer, Abid Aziz Merchant, took to his Instagram handle in a collaborative post with Iram to announce the occasion. “Wakhri will have its North American premiere on International Women’s Day (March 8, 2024) at one of the most prestigious festivals of the world, SXSW, which is considered to be the launching pad for under-the-radar movies,” Abid declared.  

Recognised as one of the world's most illustrious film festivals, SXSW catapults impactful narratives into the global spotlight and plays a crucial role in shaping trends and fostering innovation in the creative industries. 

Underlining the significance of his film’s selection by the festival, Abid added, “Wakhri is in spotlight at SXSW and has been featured among unforgettable feature films from around the world. The film will screen 4 times at the Festival on March 8, 10 and 14.”

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Abid Aziz Merchant (@abidazizmerchant)

With its showcase at SXSW, the film is poised to captivate audiences and establish its mark on the international stage, further cementing its significance in the world of cinema. The announcement has sparked anticipation among fans and industry enthusiasts alike, who eagerly await the film's debut on this acclaimed cinematic platform.

Wakhri unravels the story of a widowed school teacher whose life takes an unexpected turn when her unfiltered opinions on social media push 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.

Wakhri boasts a star-studded cast including Faryal Mehmood, Gulshan Majeed, Saleem Mairaj, Sohail Sameer, and Shees Sajjad Gul. Moreover, it features the musical talents of names like Ali Sethi, Meesha Shafi, Eva B, Natasha Noorani, and more. The film not only showcases the talent of renowned actors but also features special appearances from Mathira, Khalid Malik, and Waseem Hassan Sheikh. 

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