Pakistani film 'Wakhri' selected for major UK fest

Qandeel Baloch-inspired work to be showcased during 'South Asian Film Season'

KARACHI:

KARACHI

Pakistani film 'Wakhri', inspired by the tragic story of social media personality Qandeel Baloch, has been selected for Channel 4 and Film4's South Asian Film Season 2026 in the UK, where it will be showcased alongside a selection of contemporary films from across South Asia.

Directed by Iram Parveen Bilal, the film follows Noor Malik, a widowed schoolteacher who becomes an overnight social media sensation after sharing her unfiltered views about life as a woman in modern-day Pakistan.

Although the film draws inspiration from Qandeel Baloch's story, its themes extend beyond one individual or country. 'Wakhri' explores questions surrounding women's voices, social expectations, gender inequality, online identity and the pressures that come with sudden visibility on social media.

This year's South Asian Film Season features nine films from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The season has been curated by Indian cinema expert and longtime season consultant Nasreen Munni Kabir. The selected films span drama, thriller and social realism, exploring themes including class, racial, political and gender divides. Speaking to The Express Tribune, 'Wakhri' producer Abid Merchant described the film's inclusion in the season as an important recognition.

"This is a huge validation for us. Wakhri is about a widowed teacher who raises her voice on social media. It is inspired by the tragic story of Qandeel Baloch, but its message is universal," Merchant said. He added that the film's journey from international film festivals to a major UK broadcaster represented an important milestone for the project.