Pakistani film Wakhri selected for major UK film season

Pakistani film Wakhri has been selected for the South Asian Film Season 2026 in the United Kingdom, giving the acclaimed project another major international platform.

The film, directed by Iram Parveen Bilal, will be screened as part of a programme featuring contemporary cinema from Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. The season is being presented by Channel 4 and Film4 and includes nine films exploring a range of social and cultural issues.

Wakhri centres on Noor Malik, a widowed schoolteacher whose life changes dramatically after she begins sharing her outspoken views on social media. Her posts quickly attract public attention, turning her into an unexpected online sensation.

The story draws inspiration from the life and tragic death of Pakistani social media personality Qandeel Baloch. However, the film goes beyond her individual story and examines broader issues faced by women in society.

The film explores women’s freedom of expression, gender inequality, social expectations and the challenges of maintaining an identity in the digital age. It also highlights the pressure that can accompany sudden fame and public scrutiny.

The South Asian Film Season has been curated by Indian cinema specialist Nasreen Munni Kabir. The selected films cover genres including drama, thriller and social realism while addressing issues related to class, race, politics and gender.

Producer Abid Merchant described the selection as an important milestone for Wakhri. He said the film’s international journey, from film festival screenings to inclusion in a major UK film programme, represented significant recognition for the project.

The film’s selection also highlights the growing international interest in South Asian stories that examine social change, women’s voices and the impact of digital platforms on modern life.