Pakistani film Wakhri, inspired by the life of slain social media influencer Qandeel Baloch, has been selected for the South Asian Film Season 2026 in the UK.
The season, organized by British broadcaster Channel 4, features nine films from Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. Wakhri was scheduled for its network premiere on October 5, with streaming availability following the broadcast.
Directed by Iram Parveen Bilal and starring Faryal Mehmood, the film follows Noor Malik, a widowed schoolteacher whose outspoken views on life as a woman in Pakistan turn her into an overnight social media sensation.
Released in Pakistan in 2024, the film draws inspiration from Baloch’s life rather than presenting a direct account of it.
Producer Abid Aziz Merchant described the selection as recognition of the team’s work. He said the film’s inclusion alongside titles such as All We Imagine as Light demonstrated that Pakistani stories could resonate with audiences beyond the country.
Merchant added that its international journey offered encouragement to filmmakers facing difficulties in Pakistan’s cinema industry.
Wakhri had its world premiere at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah in December 2023. This year’s South Asian Film Season explores issues including class divisions, discrimination, political tensions, and gender inequality.
The post Qandeel Baloch-Inspired Film Selected for UK’s South Asian Film Season 2026 appeared first on ProPakistani.