Pakistan's first AI-driven film set to premiere in city

'The Next Salahuddin,' the first feature film with a historical backdrop created using artificial intelligence will premiere on December 19 at a cinema in the metropolis.

The 50-minute film focuses on the current situation in Gaza and draws inspiration from the leadership, humanity, justice, unity and struggle for freedom associated with Salahuddin Ayyubi, the founder of the Ayyubid dynasty and the first sultan of both Egypt and Syria.

Karachi-based young filmmaker Farhan Siddiqui, who has written and directed the film, said 'The Next Salahuddin' marks a new milestone in the global AI-driven filmmaking landscape and represents a step forward for Pakistan's film industry in adopting modern technology.

Siddiqui said the film pays tribute to the resilience and struggle of the oppressed people of Gaza and Palestine. The movie would be released simultaneously in four languages to reach a wider international audience, particularly in the Arab world, South Asia and beyond. The English-language film will be released with translations and subtitles in Arabic, Urdu and Bengali.

The filmmaker said the project took a year of dedicated effort using state-of-the-art AI tools, with all technical and complex work completed entirely in Pakistan - demonstrating the country's capability to meet international technical standards.

According to Siddiqui, the story revolves around a young Palestinian, Yousuf, who emerges amid war, bombardment and oppression as a symbol of resistance, hope and leadership. The film portrays Gaza's present-day realities while reflecting leadership inspired by the spirit of Salahuddin Ayyubi, with themes of humanity, justice, unity and freedom depicted in a realistic manner.

He said the film is not merely a cinematic project but an effort to amplify the voices of Gaza's children and the oppressed Palestinian nation to the world.

The film has already been screened in Malaysia, where it received an encouraging response. Alongside its release in Pakistani cinemas, 'The Next Salahuddin' will also be screened in cinemas across Malaysia.