Pakistani cinema continues to gain global recognition, with ‘Wakhri’ making waves at the 5th Yellowstone International Film Festival held in New Delhi.
The film won the Best Director award, solidifying its place on the world stage and showcasing the talent emerging from Pakistan’s film industry.
The film’s director, Aram Parveen Bilal, expressed her joy at receiving this honor and thanked the judges and organizers of the Yellowstone International Film Festival on Instagram: “Thank you to the judges and organizers of the Yellowstone International Film Festival. ‘Wakhri’ shines brightest when it connects with the audience. A special thank you to my team, cast, and crew who turned my vision into reality.”
Festival founder and director, Tushar Tyagi, also praised the film, saying, “We were thrilled to screen the Pakistani film ‘Wakhri’ as the special feature on the final night of our festival. This film has already been showcased at SXSW, Cleveland International Film Festival, and Red Sea International Film Festival.”
‘Wakhri’ tells the story of a teacher who faces several challenges after becoming a social media influencer. The film is inspired by the life of the late social media influencer Qandeel Baloch.
Director Aram Parveen Bilal explained that the film not only highlights the realities of social media but also explores how faceless comments and clicks on social media fuel collective anger while eroding empathy.
In an interview, Aram stated that the growing global interest in Pakistani cinema is strengthening local stories, which is having a positive impact on the industry.