Sufi story takes Pakistan to Locarno

Umair Bilal's documentary secures world premiere at Swiss festival

KARACHI:

Pakistan's growing presence on the international festival circuit has received another boost as filmmaker Umair Bilal's debut feature documentary, 'As Light as Air', has been selected for the prestigious Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland, where it will have its world premiere in August.

The selection marks another milestone for Pakistani cinema, which has increasingly drawn global attention through independent productions rooted in the country's culture and traditions.

Set in the historic Sufi town of Sehwan, the documentary explores the lives of pilgrims, wanderers and spiritual seekers who arrive carrying grief, hope and longing before finding solace through devotion and music.

At its heart is the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, where rituals, faith and the hypnotic rhythm of dhamaal shape the town's spiritual identity. Bilal has described these rituals as the heartbeat of Sehwan, presenting an intimate portrait of one of Pakistan's most revered spiritual centres.

The film has been selected for the Semaine de la Critique section, a showcase dedicated to outstanding documentary filmmaking.

The 79th Locarno Film Festival, running from August 5 to 15, will present 103 world premieres spanning international competition, Piazza Grande screenings and documentary showcases. The programme includes new works by acclaimed filmmakers Hong Sangsoo, Denis Cote and Maria Back, while celebrated American director James Gray will receive the festival's prestigious Career Leopard award.

Organisers say this year's edition reflects a world shaped by conflict while celebrating the enduring power of cinema to connect audiences across cultures. Against this backdrop, 'As Light as Air' gives Pakistan a significant platform, bringing the country's rich Sufi heritage and documentary storytelling to one of Europe's oldest and most respected film festivals.