Pakistani documentary 'Songs of the Sufi' wins award at Chicago South Asian Film Festival

Pakistani documentary 'Songs of the Sufi (SOTS)' has been awarded the Audience Choice Award for Best Documentary at the 15th Chicago South Asian Film Festival.

The film explores the 800-year-old tradition of classical Qawwali from the perspective of music enthusiasts, devotees and scholars as well as the qawwals of the Qawwal Bachay Gharana who have preserved this genre for 25 generations.

Blending mystical art inspired by renowned Pakistani artists, Mughal miniature paintings, qawwalis, interviews and authentic storytelling, the film offers an immersive cinematic screen experience.

In a press release from SOTS, Jigar Shah, director of the Chicago South Asian Film Festival said, “Songs of the Sufi is a wonderful craft that explores the history, culture, and universal message of love. I’m very thrilled that the film won at our festival and stood out for masterful direction, and the emotional depth.”

Shah also praised and thanked its makers, Shahrukh Waheed and Kamran Anwar for bringing the compelling directorial venture to the screens.

He expressed delight that the documentary resonated with the audience at home and abroad, adding, “This is our ode to the art of qawwali and the qawwal families keeping this sacred art form alive and we want to share it with the world.”

Producer Kamran Anwar said, “We are heartened at the responses and pleased that the film is resonating with juries and audiences far and wide."

"We thank the judges and the audiences who have recognised this film and hope that the core message of unity, tolerance, and inclusion that is embodied in the message of the great Sufis will continue to light the way,” he added.