Pakistani film ‘Lali’ selected for BFI London Film Festival
Acclaimed Pakistani filmmaker Sarmad Sultan Khoosat’s latest feature film ‘Lali’ has been selected for the 70th BFI London Film Festival, extending the movie’s successful international festival journey following its historic premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival earlier this year.
A wildly original dark comedy infused with supernatural elements, ‘Lali’ centres on Zeba, played by Mamya Shajaffar, a young woman believed to be cursed after the sudden deaths of her previous fiancés. Seeking a fresh start, she marries Sajawal, portrayed by Channan Hanif, an emotionally troubled man grappling with his own fears, insecurities and painful past.
As the couple navigate their uneasy marriage, the story unfolds through themes of desire, superstition, grief and paranoia. The line between the living and the dead gradually blurs, creating a distinctive exploration of marriage, family relationships and societal expectations.
Set in Sahiwal and deeply rooted in Punjabi culture, ‘Lali’ blends dark comedy, domestic drama, mystery and supernatural storytelling. Alongside Shajaffar and Hanif, the film features performances from Rasti Farooq, Farazeh Syed, Mehar Bano and Juggan Kazim.
The film is directed and co-written by Khoosat, one of Pakistan’s most celebrated contemporary filmmakers. He previously directed the critically acclaimed ‘Zindagi Tamasha’ and served as a producer on Saim Sadiq’s internationally recognised ‘Joyland’, which became the first Pakistani film to compete in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival.
Related to this
.
For ‘Lali’, Khoosat reunites with Sadiq, who serves as editor and casting director. The screenplay has been co-written by Khoosat and Sundus Hashmi.
Earlier this year, ‘Lali’ made history when it premiered in the Panorama section of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, becoming the first fully Pakistani-produced feature film to debut at the prestigious festival.
Its inclusion in the BFI London Film Festival marks another major milestone for the production and introduces Khoosat’s unique vision of contemporary Pakistan to audiences across the United Kingdom.
