Brief

Pakistani thriller ‘Wakhri’ secures theatrical releases in France, UK, Australia and Brazil

The film, inspired by social‑media star Qandeel Baloch, will open in French cinemas this October and stream on Channel 4 in the UK.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sun, 11 Oct 2026 14:28:24 GMT

Iram Parveen Bilal’s award‑winning Pakistani thriller “Wakhri” has secured distribution across several international territories, with theatrical and broadcast releases rolling out this fall in France, the United Kingdom, Australia and Brazil, Variety reported.

In France, the film will screen in cinemas this October through Salon Indien, a traveling film society that showcases South Asian women filmmakers. The curatorial platform Contre‑courants partnered with François‑Xavier Durandy to bring the initiative to venues nationwide. Helene Kessous, co‑founder of Salon Indien, said the film was among the society’s first selections, describing it as “funny, defiant and necessary.”

In the United Kingdom, “Wakhri” is part of Channel 4’s 2026 South Asian Film Season, joining titles such as “All We Imagine as Light” and “Songs of Forgotten Trees,” and will be available to watch on the broadcaster this October.

SBS has acquired the film for Australia, while Brazilian distributor Filmicca will handle its release in Brazil. Apoorva Bakshi of Awedacious Originals, also a producer, highlighted the long‑tail distribution model that allows independent films to build enduring audiences worldwide.

The story draws on the real‑life courage of Pakistani women who have challenged patriarchy, notably social‑media star Qandeel Baloch, who was murdered by her brother in 2016. The film’s leads are first‑time actors Faryal Mehmood as Noor, a young widow raising funds for a girls’ school, and Gulshan Majeed as Gucchi, her cross‑dressing best friend.

Bilal, who wrote, directed and co‑produced the film, called the French theatrical run a “dream come true,” adding that the project required the right partners to avoid a “cookie‑cutter distribution model.” Producer Abid Aziz Merchant of Sanat Initiative said the French release proves the story’s relevance beyond Pakistan and celebrates a proud moment for Pakistani cinema.

Future releases are planned for North America and additional markets in the coming months.

Key facts

“Wakhri” will open in French cinemas this October through Salon Indien. (variety.com)
The film is part of Channel 4’s 2026 South Asian Film Season in the UK. (variety.com)
SBS acquired the film for Australia and Filmicca for Brazil. (variety.com)
The story is inspired by Pakistani women activists, including Qandeel Baloch. (variety.com)
Director Iram Parveen Bilal described the French run as a dream come true. (variety.com)