‘In Flames’: Pakistani-Canadian film wins top prize at Red Sea Film Festival

The ten-day Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah marked a pivotal moment for Pakistan's cinema, with four films earning recognition among the world's finest crafts at this esteemed cinematic event.

Jeddah's Red Sea Festival serves as a global platform for diverse voices in cinema, offering a unique opportunity for filmmakers to present their work and engage with a diverse audience.

Four Pakistani films earned a spot in the film festival line up, including "In Flames," "Wakhri – one of a kind" and two short feature films, "Solatia" by Hira Yousafzai and "Eid Mubarak" by Mahnoor Euceph.

In the presence of Hollywood luminaries such as Nicolas Cage, Gwyneth Paltrow, Halle Berry, Jason Statham, and Adrien Brody, Zarrar Kahn's "In Flames" clinched the prestigious Golden Yusr for best film, with a $100,000 cash award for the Pakistani-Canadian horror production.

Director Kahn mentioned that the indie film was crafted on a modest budget of $300,000, equivalent to a Red Sea Fund production grant.

"In Flames" has not only received recognition at this festival but has also been chosen as the official Oscars entry for 2023. The film secured the International Newcomer Award and a 30,000 euros cash prize at the 72nd International Film Festival in Mannheim, Heidelberg, Germany.

Iram Parveen Bilal's 'Wakhri — One of a Kind' also made it to the festival. The film takes inspiration from the poignant story of social media sensation Qandeel Baloch.

A folklore-inspired superhero film, "Umro Ayyar: A New Beginning" received acclaim from international stars. The celebrated Hollywood icons Johnny Depp and Will Smith showered praises on this eagerly awaited Pakistani film.

The ‘King Richard’ star left his Pakistani fans thrilled as he sported the ‘Umro Ayyar’s’ pendant during the event. 

The film festival not only provides recognition but also serves as a gateway for Pakistani filmmakers to explore global markets.