BERLIN: The Berlin International Film Festival witnessed a historic moment this week as it screened its first all-Pakistani produced feature film, marking a significant milestone for Pakistan’s cinema industry.
“Lali,” directed by Sarmad Sultan Khoosat, had its world premiere on Thursday to a packed audience, including members of Berlin’s Pakistani community and Pakistan’s ambassador to Germany.
The Punjabi-language black comedy revolves around Sajawal, played by Channan Hanif, and his new bride Zeba, portrayed by Mamya Shajaffar. Set in a working-class neighbourhood of Sahiwal, the story explores rumours surrounding Zeba, whose previous suitors reportedly died under mysterious circumstances, leading locals to believe she is cursed.
Speaking after the screening, Khoosat described the film’s debut at the prestigious festival as both an achievement and a responsibility. He termed the selection a “validation” of a story deeply rooted in local culture and idiom.
The film blends boisterous Punjabi humour with themes of desire, sexuality, trauma and subtle elements of the supernatural. One notable character, Sohni Ammi — Sajawal’s strong-willed mother — sets the tone early in the film with celebratory gunfire at the wedding that results in an accidental injury.
Khoosat expressed hope that international recognition would help revive Pakistan’s struggling film industry, which he said has experienced a gradual decline over the past two decades.
He noted that Pakistan once produced more than 100 films annually but has since faced challenges adapting to changing audience preferences and competition from other media platforms.
The filmmaker said a new generation of Pakistani directors and producers is emerging and requires institutional support and facilitation to strengthen the domestic industry.
Observers say the inclusion of “Lali” at the Berlin festival could provide renewed visibility to Pakistani cinema on the global stage and encourage broader opportunities for local storytellers.