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As 2023 approaches an end, the Pakistani film industry shines on the global stage. Gaining international attention globally. Recently industry’s two films have gained recognition at a high level in different prestigious international platforms. In Flames by Zarrar Khan and Sarmad Khoosat’s Kamli are getting applause for displaying remarkable artistry and dedication to storytelling.
Zarrar Kahn took to Instagram to share In Flames’ impressive reception at the International Film Festival Mannheim-Heidelberg (IFFMH) where the film caught the International Newcomer Award. The director quoted the statement by the festival’s jury in the post’s caption to articulate his joy at the occasion.
While announcing the Newcomer award, the IFFMH said these lines before revealing the winner. “Our award goes to a filmmaker who manages to shift and play with the genre while maintaining a connection both to his audience as well as his protagonist throughout the film. The main character is a young woman who is allowed to be both brave and fragile, and she is brought to life through a wonderful debut performance that complements the mise-en-scene. The winner is In Flames,”
Zarrar Kahn further posted on his Instagram that “I still can’t believe we won. Thank you to all the incredible people who believed in our film.” In Flames marks the return of Pakistani cinema to Cannes Directors Forenight since Jamil Dehlavi’s entry The Blood of Hussain was selected in 1980 and was this year’s nominee at the Toronto International Film Festival.
In Flames is set to make its way to the international Oscar Awards. Khoosat’s 2022 film Kamli achieved a historic milestone at the Minsk International Film Festival, clinching three prestigious awards.
Saba Qamar won the Best Actor Award, Sarmad Khoosat earned the Best Director Award and the film received the Viewers’ Choice accolade at the renowned Listapad festival, the largest film festival in Belarus. Khoosat Films and the director himself celebrated the triumph on their official Instagram accounts.
After a long wait and gap Pakistani film industry is on its way with talented and foresighted filmmakers to compete with international films.
