In 2024, Pakistani films continued to shine on the global stage, breaking barriers and earning accolades in international markets. With compelling stories, diverse genres, and exceptional performances, these films showcased the immense talent and creativity thriving in Pakistan. From prestigious film festivals to commercial success overseas, Pakistani filmmakers made the country proud, proving that their narratives resonate far beyond borders.
This year proved the power of storytelling, as films from Pakistan captured the hearts of global audiences. Whether through gripping dramas, thought-provoking themes, or artistic brilliance, these cinematic gems brought international recognition to the country. Let’s explore the movies that not only won big but also symbolized Pakistan’s growing influence in the world of cinema.
Shoaib Sultan Won Debut Director Award For Gunjal At India’s Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival
At the 14th Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival held in New Delhi, Shoaib Sultan, a Pakistani director, won the prestigious Debut Director Award for his film Gunjal. This remarkable achievement brought immense pride to the Pakistani film industry, showcasing its growing talent and global appeal. The festival, known for honoring exceptional cinema worldwide, recognized Sultan’s creativity and storytelling, making Gunjal stand out among numerous international entries.
Released in Pakistani cinemas on December 15, 2023, Gunjal has engaged audiences with its powerful narrative and star-studded cast, featuring Ahmed Ali Akbar, Resham, and Amna Ilyas. Sultan shared that winning this award is not just a personal milestone but a source of encouragement for filmmakers across Pakistan. It highlights the potential of Pakistani cinema to shine on international stages and inspire a new wave of creative storytelling.
Gunjal is a gripping crime-thriller inspired by true events, It is directed by Shoaib Sultan and produced by Nighat Akbar Shah, from Adur Productions and Eveready Pictures. Alongside Ahmed Ali Akbar, the movie features stellar performances by Resham, Amna Ilyas, Syed Muhammad Ali, Sarmed Aftab Jadraan, Razia Malik, Sardar Nabeel, Ali Aftab Saeed, Arham Khan, Ebtisam Mustafa, Habiba Sufyan, Ahsen Murad, Munir Khan, Usman Zia, and Ahmed Ali Butt.
Pakistan’s First Hand-Drawn Animated Film The Glassworker Heads To The Oscars 2025
Pakistan’s first-ever hand-drawn animated movie, The Glassworker, has been selected as the country’s submission for the 2025 Oscars in the International Feature Film category. Directed by Usman Riaz, this beautifully crafted 2D animated film has already made waves on a global scale. It debuted at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, where it earned a nomination for Best Film, and later received further acclaim with a nomination for Best Animation Film at the Shanghai International Film Festival.
With its 2024 theatrical release, The Glassworker not only became a milestone for Pakistani cinema but also set a new benchmark by being the country’s first 2D animated feature film. The movie’s intricate visuals and heartfelt storytelling have engaged audiences both locally and internationally. As the film now vies for recognition at the prestigious Academy Awards, it stands as a testament to Pakistan’s growing creative potential and the incredible possibilities for animation in the country.
Mano Animation Studios produced The Glassworker, a 2024 Pakistani animated film. Usman Riaz directed the film from a screenplay by Moya O’Shea. Khizer Riaz and Manuel Cristóbal served as producers. Featuring anime-influenced animation, The Glassworker is Pakistan’s first hand-drawn animated feature film associated with Geo Films.
The Clown Won Satyajit Ray Award At London Indian Film Festival
The Clown won the prestigious Satyajit Ray Award for Best Short Film at the London Indian Film Festival. Directed by Kamil Chima, the film was the only Pakistani entry in the competition, marking a significant achievement for both the film and Pakistan’s cinema industry.
The film follows the story of Minahil, who challenges patriarchal norms by becoming a clown. Minahil is a woman who breaks free from her nightly confinement by her husband to transform into a clown and dance outside a fast-food restaurant. In a society where veils like the hijab, burqa, and niqab are common, she stumbles upon a clown costume and discovers a unique sense of liberation. By donning the costume, she can dance in public and engage in activities typically reserved for men. However, this freedom is fleeting, vanishing as soon as she removes the mask. The film delves into her struggle to transition from this borrowed freedom to claiming her true independence, challenging societal norms and expectations.
The Clown is directed by Kamil Chima and produced by Mahnoor Zaidi. The cast features Farheen Raza Jaffry, Sheherzade Peerzada, Adeel Afzal, and Muhammad Saeed Cheema.
Pakistani Short Film Muqaddas Shone At Global Film Festivals
Pakistani short film Muqaddas, directed by Khurram Zaidi, has made a significant impact on the global film festival circuit. Released in 2023, the film tells the story of a young woman’s quest for identity and freedom, set against the backdrop of Kashmir. As she embarks on a transformative journey, the protagonist struggles with the weight of her past, which continues to shape her present. The film explores the complexities of human relationships and the decisions that define the course of one’s future.
Muqaddas has been celebrated at numerous prestigious film festivals worldwide. It has been screened at over nine international festivals and has won multiple awards, including Best Cinematography at the 33rd International Film Festival in Beijing. At Chennai’s Uruvatti International Film Festival, it received accolades for Best Concept and Best Asian Short Film.
The film is produced by Farhan Shahid and directed by Khurram Zaidi.
Wakhri Nominated At 19th Tasveer Film Festival
Pakistani feature film Wakhri has earned a prestigious nomination at the 19th Tasveer Film Festival, marking a significant milestone for the film and the country’s cinema.
The story centers on a widowed schoolteacher in Lahore who becomes an overnight viral sensation after accidentally posting her uncensored opinions on social media. The protagonist’s sudden rise to fame as an unlikely influencer brings its own set of challenges. As a single mother raising a 10-year-old son, she must navigate the oppressive patriarchal culture that seeks to silence women, even in the digital realm. Despite the hostility and relentless trolling, she remains undeterred, having found a powerful voice that no critic can stifle. Through this narrative, Wakhri empowers women to speak their truth in the face of adversity.
Wakhri is directed by Iram Parveen Bilal and stars Faryal Mehmood, Gulshan Majeed, Shees Sajjad Gul, Bakhtawar Mazhar, and Akbar Islam.
As we near the end of 2024, it’s amazing to look back at all the milestones achieved this year. From ground-breaking short films to feature films making their mark globally, it’s been a year of incredible success for Pakistan’s film industry. These achievements remind us of how much talent we have, and the future is definitely looking bright for our filmmakers. Here’s to more recognition, growth, and exciting projects in the years ahead!
