The award-winning Pakistani thriller ‘Wakhri’ has secured theatrical and broadcast distribution across multiple international territories, with rollouts beginning this autumn in France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and Brazil.
Director Iram Parveen Bilal’s film, which examines the courage of Pakistani women who defy patriarchal norms, will screen in France through Salon Indien, a traveling film society dedicated to South Asian women filmmakers. The initiative, launched by curatorial platform Contre-courants in partnership with François-Xavier Durandy, will present the movie at venues throughout the country starting in October.
The narrative draws inspiration from real-life figures such as social media personality Qandeel Baloch, who was killed by her brother in 2016 after her online posts were deemed disrespectful to family honor. The film stars first-time leads Faryal Mehmood as Noor, a young widow fundraising to establish a girls’ school, and Gulshan Majeed as Gucchi, her cross-dressing best friend.
Helene Kessous, co-founder of Salon Indien alongside Nemesis Srour, highlighted the film’s significance. “Funny, defiant and necessary, Iram Parveen Bilal’s film explores what social media offers to those who dare to speak out, and what it costs them,” she said. “It belonged in this program from the start.”
Bilal, who also co-produced the project, expressed enthusiasm about the French release. “We searched and waited for the right partners for a film too special to fit a cookie-cutter distribution model,” she said. “‘Wakhri’ is a unique and daring representation of Pakistani cinema, and we are excited to break the mold of the usually expected cinematic fare from the Global South.”
Abid Aziz Merchant of Sanat Initiative, another producer on the film, noted that the French debut validated the story’s universal resonance. “It is about the cost of a woman daring to take up space, a conversation that resonates far beyond Pakistan,” he said. “For a film inspired by Qandeel Baloch’s courage to be part of a traveling showcase championing South Asian women directors, in a country that truly cherishes cinema, is a proud moment for Pakistani cinema.”
In the UK, the film is featured as part of Channel 4’s 2026 South Asian Film Season, screening alongside titles such as “All We Imagine as Light” and “Songs of Forgotten Trees.” It will be available on the broadcaster’s platform in October. Australia has acquired the film through SBS, while Brazil’s distribution rights were picked up by Filmicca.
Apoorva Bakshi of Awedacious Originals emphasized the importance of independent production models in reaching global audiences. “Independent films are built on conviction, collaboration and inventive co-production models that enable meaningful distribution journeys,” she said. “This long-tail approach allows singular stories to travel on their own terms and build enduring audiences worldwide.”
Bilal is also currently producing “Dancers,” a Pakistani film participating in the Busan International Film Festival’s Asian Project Market. Theatrical releases in North America and additional markets are anticipated in the coming months.
Salon Indien sounds like a brilliant platform. Excited to see more South Asian women directors reaching international audiences this way.
I didn’t know Qandeel Baloch’s story inspired this. How is a film about such a tragic event both funny and defiant?
Finally, Pakistani cinema getting the global spotlight it deserves. The Channel 4 partnership is a fantastic move.