Film Wakhri Joined South Asian Film Season
The Pakistani film inspired by Qandeel Baloch has been selected for a showcase by a British broadcaster.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Fashion
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Directed by Iram Parveen Bilal, the film Wakhri has been added to the 2026 South Asian Film Season lineup. It stars Faryal Gohar as a widowed schoolteacher who rises to prominence as a social media sensation.
Why it matters
The South Asian Film Season aims to bridge cultural divides by introducing global viewers to diverse narratives originating from Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. This selection highlights the film's continued international reach following its initial 2024 domestic release.
The season features a collection of 9 films sourced from Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. The work follows a narrative inspired by the life of Qandeel Baloch and was previously showcased at major festivals in Locarno, Cannes, and Busan.
The players
Iram Parveen Bilal
She is the director of the film Wakhri and a filmmaker known for her contributions to international cinema.
Faryal Gohar
She stars in the lead role of the film and is an actress known for her work in Pakistani media.
Qandeel Baloch
She was a Pakistani social media personality whose life inspired the narrative of the film Wakhri.
The details
Wakhri portrays the life of a schoolteacher who finds unexpected fame on social media, reflecting the real-world experiences of Qandeel Baloch. The project, which first premiered at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, is now reaching wider international audiences through this curated season.
Timeline
December 2023: The film had its world premiere at the Red Sea International Film Festival.
2024: The film was officially released across Pakistan.
October 5, 2026: The film will be broadcast on a British broadcaster, followed by an online release.
Culture Shift
This news follows the pattern set by the South Asian Film Season in its effort to promote regional cinema to global markets. By showcasing films from Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, the program actively expands the reach of South Asian storytelling beyond traditional borders.
International audiences will be able to watch the film through the British broadcaster on October 5, 2026. Following this broadcast, the film will be accessible via an online release, allowing viewers worldwide to view the production at their convenience.
The takeaway
The film underscores the global resonance of stories emerging from the Pakistani film industry. Viewers can keep an eye on upcoming digital platforms for the online release following the scheduled television debut.
What happens next
Wakhri will be available for streaming online following its broadcast debut on October 5, 2026.
Further reading
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