Global Spotlight for Pakistani Cinema at Venice Biennale

Pakistani cinema is set to shine on the global stage as The Curfew, a short film written and directed by Shehrezad Maher, will have its world premiere at the Venice Biennale tomorrow (September 4). The 19-minute film is Pakistan’s only official selection at this year’s edition of the prestigious festival.

The Venice Biennale, commonly referred to as the Venice Film Festival, runs from August 27 to September 6. It is one of the most respected film festivals worldwide, sharing its reputation with Cannes and Berlin.

For Pakistan, the festival holds special significance. In 2019, Saim Sadiq’s Darling won the award for Best Short Film, a milestone moment for the country’s film industry.

The Curfew features Sathya Sridharan, Balinder Johal, Sara Haider, Rajesh Bose, Chris Thorn, and Salwa Khan in its cast. The film tells the story of Ayaan, who becomes the temporary caregiver for his grandmother.

Their inability to fully communicate creates a silence where colonial histories resurface, altering how he sees both himself and others around him.

Maher’s selection is being viewed as an important step for Pakistani cinema, which has been striving to expand its global footprint through independent filmmaking. By focusing on themes of identity, family, and history, The Curfew highlights the strength of small-scale yet meaningful storytelling.