India’s vibrant capital, New Delhi, recently hosted the fifth edition of the Yellowstone International Film Festival (YIFF), celebrating independent cinema. The prestigious event showcased a diverse range of films, and one standout from this year’s lineup was Wakhri (One of a Kind), a Pakistani film that earned significant recognition, including the Best Director Feature Film award.
Iram Parveen Bilal Wins Best Director for ‘Wakhri’
The award for Best Director went to Wakhri’s director, Iram Parveen Bilal. She expressed her gratitude on Instagram, thanking the YIFF jury and organizers for the honor. She also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of her team, cast, and crew. “Wakhri shines brightest with its audiences. Deep gratitude to my entire team, cast, and crew alike, for enhancing my vision every step of the way,” she wrote.
Tushar Tyagi Highlights ‘Wakhri’ at YIFF
Wakhri also received praise from Tushar Tyagi, the founder and director of YIFF. When asked about the films he was excited to see, Tyagi highlighted the Pakistani film, which was having its Indian premiere at the festival. Tyagi expressed particular enthusiasm for the film, which had already been showcased at prestigious international festivals like SXSW, Cleveland International Film Festival, and the Red Sea International Film Festival. “We are very much looking forward to screening the closing night feature narrative, the award-winning Wakhri, which is having its Indian premiere with us,” he noted.
A Story Inspired by Qandeel Baloch’s Life
Wakhri tells the story of a teacher who becomes an influencer, navigating the complexities and challenges that come with being a woman in the spotlight. The film is inspired by the life and tragic death of Pakistani social media personality Qandeel Baloch. Iram Parveen Bilal, in an earlier interview with New Indian Express, explained that Qandeel’s spirit served as a powerful lens for exploring the struggles of marginalized individuals and the dangers of social media’s amplification of rage and judgment.
“Qandeel’s spirit was the perfect segue into showcasing not just a brave, marginalized group of characters but also the collective monster that we have created through social media, draining empathy and empowering mass rage with every faceless click and comment,” Iram shared.
The Growing Impact of Pakistani Cinema
Having studied in the United States, Iram also shared her insights on the evolving landscape of Pakistani cinema. She believes that the growing global interest in local stories is significantly benefiting the entertainment industry in Pakistan. The international recognition of films like Wakhri is contributing to a positive shift in the perception of Pakistani cinema on the global stage.
