Pakistani drama “Wakhri,” a film loosely based on the life of social‑media activist Qandeel Baloch, has been chosen to represent Pakistan in Channel 4’s South Asian Film Season 2026 in the United Kingdom. The selection was announced on 6 October 2026 and places the locally released movie on a slate that will showcase nine titles from Pakistan, India and Bangladesh to British audiences.
“Wakhri,” directed by debut filmmaker Saima Ahmed and produced by the Karachi‑based studio Roshni Films, premiered on Pakistani screens earlier this year to strong box‑office numbers and critical praise for its bold portrayal of a woman challenging patriarchal norms. By securing a spot in the Channel 4 programme, the film will reach a wider, international viewership and may open doors for further festival invitations and distribution deals outside South Asia.
The Channel 4 South Asian Film Season, organized by the public‑service broadcaster, aims to highlight the diversity of contemporary storytelling across the subcontinent. Alongside “Wakhri,” the lineup includes four Indian productions, three Bangladeshi films and one additional Pakistani feature, creating a cross‑border dialogue that reflects the region’s evolving cultural narratives.
Industry observers note that the inclusion of a film inspired by Qandeel Baloch—a figure whose 2016 murder sparked nationwide debate on women’s rights and online freedom—signals a growing appetite for socially relevant cinema that tackles difficult topics. For the Pakistani film sector, which has been seeking greater global visibility after a resurgence in the last decade, the Channel 4 platform offers an opportunity to showcase homegrown talent and to attract foreign investment.
Local filmmakers and cultural bodies have welcomed the news, emphasising that international exposure can help Pakistani cinema compete on the world stage and encourage more stories rooted in the country’s complex social fabric. The screening is scheduled for late November 2026, with a Q&A session featuring the director and lead actress slated to follow the showing, providing UK audiences a direct link to the creators behind the film.