"This is a huge validation for us."
Pakistani film Wakhri has been selected for a prestigious film season in the UK.
The film will be part of Channel 4 and Film4’s South Asian Film Season 2026.
It will be showcased alongside several contemporary films from across South Asia during the season.
Wakhri is inspired by the tragic real-life story of social media personality Qandeel Baloch.
The film is directed by Iram Parveen Bilal and tells a powerful fictional story.
It follows Noor Malik, a widowed schoolteacher who becomes an overnight social media sensation.
She gains this sudden fame after sharing her unfiltered views about life as a woman.
Her views particularly focus on what it means to be a woman in modern-day Pakistan.
Although inspired by Qandeel Baloch’s story, the film’s themes extend far beyond one individual.
It also moves beyond the boundaries of just one country in its broader message.
Wakhri explores questions surrounding women’s voices and the social expectations placed upon them.
It also touches on gender inequality, online identity and the pressures of sudden visibility.
These pressures specifically relate to the challenges of unexpected fame on social media platforms.
This year’s South Asian Film Season features a total of 9 films in its lineup.
These films come from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, representing diverse voices from the region.
The season has been curated by Indian cinema expert Nasreen Munni Kabir once again.
She has served as a longtime consultant for the festival over the years.
The selected films span across genres including drama, thriller and social realism this year.
Together, they explore themes involving class, racial, political and gender divides within society.
Producer Abid Merchant spoke about the film’s inclusion in the season.
He described the selection as an important moment of recognition for the entire team.
He said: “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.”
He also spoke about the film’s journey from international festivals to a major UK broadcaster.
The producer described this journey as an important milestone for the project.
The film’s selection highlights growing international interest in stories rooted in South Asian experiences.
The film’s inclusion in the UK season is expected to introduce it to a wider international audience.
