Sarmad Sultan Khoosat’s Lali is heading to Seattle after making its mark at major international film festivals.
The Pakistani film will open the 21st Tasveer Film Festival and Market on October 15. The festival will run from October 13 to 18 in Seattle, bringing 136 films from 16 countries to audiences.
The film’s Seattle screening follows its world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival, its screening in London and a Best Director win for Khoosat at the DC South Asian Film Festival.
Lali to Open Tasveer Film Festival
Tasveer has selected Lali as its official opening-night film for the 2026 festival.
The film will have its West Coast premiere at the Tasveer Film Center on October 15. The event will include a red carpet, screening, filmmaker Q&A and a dinner reception.
The festival describes Lali as a darkly comic story set around Zeba, a young woman whose three previous fiancés have died under mysterious circumstances.
As rumours spread, Zeba becomes known as a “cursed bride”. The story then explores the consequences of those beliefs within a rural Punjabi community.
A Major International Journey for Lali
The Tasveer selection adds another major stop to Lali’s international festival journey.
The film became the first fully Pakistani feature to premiere at the Berlinale when it screened in the Panorama section earlier this year.
It later continued its festival run in the United States and the United Kingdom. Khoosat also won the Best Director award at the DC South Asian Film Festival.
Moreover, Lali has been selected for the 70th BFI London Film Festival, further expanding its international reach.
Tasveer’s 2026 edition will give the film another opportunity to connect with audiences in the United States.
Mamya Shajaffar Leads the Cast
Mamya Shajaffar plays Zeba, the central character whose story drives the film.
The cast also includes Joyland actor Rasti Farooq and Churails star Meher Bano.
Meanwhile, Pakistani composer Abdullah Siddiqui has created the film’s score, adding another prominent name from Pakistan’s contemporary creative industry to the project.
Lali Explores Fear and Violence
Beyond its dark humour, Lali explores deeper themes surrounding relationships and social expectations.
The film examines fear, shame and violence within intimate relationships. Its story also looks at how rumours and inherited beliefs can shape the way communities perceive women.
Through Zeba’s experience, the film explores the pressures surrounding marriage and the consequences of placing women under harsh social labels.
More Pakistani Films Head to Tasveer
Lali is not the only Pakistani production featured in this year’s Tasveer programme.
The festival will also screen Habiba Nousheen’s documentary The Gymnasts of Fisherman Colony.
Five Pakistani short films have also been selected. They include Farqalit Gharshin’s Tsrak, Kamran Faiq’s The Last Glance, Basir Ahmed’s Khazana, Ali Mehdi’s Shireen and Ravia Rasool’s Silence on Set.
The selection gives several Pakistani filmmakers an international platform alongside productions from across South Asia.
Tasveer’s Oscar-Qualifying Status
Tasveer holds particular importance for filmmakers because it is the world’s only Oscar-qualifying South Asian film festival, according to the festival itself.
The festival has previously recognised Pakistani cinema as well.
In 2019, Ahmed Ali Akbar’s Laal Kabootar won the festival’s Archana Soy Audience Choice Award for Best Feature Film. Meanwhile, Wakhri opened the 2024 edition alongside an Indian title.
Now, Lali will take centre stage on opening night in Seattle.
For Khoosat and Pakistani cinema, the screening marks another significant step in a growing international festival journey.
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