Entertainment · Film · 19 hrs ago
Pakistani thriller ‘Wakhri’ secures releases in France, UK, Australia and Brazil
‘Wakhri’ is a Pakistani thriller written, directed and co-produced by Iram Parveen Bilal.
It follows Noor, a young widow raising money to open a girls’ school, and her cross-dressing best friend, Gucchi.
The story draws on the experiences of Pakistani women who have challenged patriarchal expectations, including social media star Qandeel Baloch, who was murdered by her brother in 2016.
The film explores how social media can help people speak out and the risks they may face.
It will screen in France this October through Salon Indien, a touring film society focused on South Asian women filmmakers.
Channel 4 will make it available in the UK this October, while SBS has acquired it for Australia and Filmicca for Brazil.
Releases in North America and other markets are expected in the coming months.
The Pakistani thriller “Wakhri” has secured distribution in France, the U.K. and Ireland, Australia, and Brazil.
Its theatrical and broadcast releases are rolling out this fall, with releases in more territories expected in the coming months.
In France, the film is scheduled to screen in cinemas in October through Salon Indien, a traveling film society devoted to South Asian women filmmakers.
In the U.K., it is part of Channel 4’s 2026 South Asian Film Season and is available to watch this October.
SBS acquired the film for Australia, while Filmicca picked it up for Brazil.
- Who
- Wakhri,” written and directed by Iram Parveen Bilal.
- What
- The film secured distribution in France, the U.K. and Ireland, Australia, and Brazil.
- When
- Releases are rolling out this fall; the French cinema release and U.K. broadcast availability are scheduled for October.
- Where
- France, the U.K. and Ireland, Australia, and Brazil.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Funny, defiant and necessary, Iram Parveen Bilal’s film explores what social media offers to those who dare to speak out, and what it costs them. It belonged in this program from the start.
We searched and waited for the right partners for a film too special to fit a cookie-cutter distribution model. ‘Wakhri’ is a unique and daring representation of Pakistani cinema, and we are excited to break the mold of the usually expected cinematic fare from the Global South
It is about the cost of a woman daring to take up space, a conversation that resonates far beyond Pakistan. We are delighted to find our French audience through Salon Indien. For a film inspired by Qandeel Baloch’s courage to be part of a traveling showcase championing South Asian women directors, in a country that truly cherishes cinema, is a proud moment for Pakistani cinema and the right next chapter for ‘Wakhri,’
Independent films are built on conviction, collaboration and inventive co-production models that enable meaningful distribution journeys. We are excited to see ‘Wakhri,’ our big-hearted and critically acclaimed independent production, continue to connect with audiences seeking distinctive cinema.
The film’s theatrical and broadcast releases are rolling out across France, the U.K. and Ireland, Australia, and Brazil.
Wakhri” is heading to cinemas in France through Salon Indien.
The film is available to watch on Channel 4 as part of its 2026 South Asian Film Season.
- France
- Cinema release planned for October through Salon Indien
- U.K. and Ireland
- Part of Channel 4’s 2026 South Asian Film Season
- Australia
- SBS acquired the film
- Brazil
- Filmicca picked up the film
- More territories
- Releases expected in the coming months
Sources
Related news
‘Other Mommy’ leads North American box office with $27.5 million debut
Nicolas Cage says he will probably not work with Amazon again over AI
Self-distributed documentary ‘NAZA’ passes $500,000 at North American box office
Danny Trejo Says He Is Pro-Immigrant After Backlash Over ICE Film Role
Ike Barinholtz describes his Elon Musk role in ‘Artificial’
Alex Gibney Says Universal Wavered on Overseas Release of Musk Documentary
Danish actor Mathilde Arcel wins Venice award for first leading film role
Robert Pattinson says he wanted to make Chris Hansen look cool in ‘Primetime’
Noah Centineo says Street Fighter film recreates characters’ fighting styles
Resident Evil Becomes Zach Cregger’s Highest-Grossing Film as Social Reckoning Struggles
Hollywood films cast tech leaders as villains amid growing public concern
