Pakistani cinema will gain international recognition this week as The Curfew, a short film by Shehrezad Maher, premieres at the Venice Biennale. Scheduled for September 4, the screening makes the project the only Pakistani film selected for the festival this year.
The Venice Biennale, also known globally as the Venice Film Festival, runs from August 27 to September 6. It stands as one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, along with Cannes and Berlin. For Pakistan, the event recalls past achievements, including the win of Saim Sadiq’s Darling in 2019, which secured the Best Short Film Award at the same platform.
Storyline and Themes
The Curfew is a 19-minute short film that explores family, identity, and the complexities of communication. The story centers on Ayaan, a young man who takes on the role of caregiver for his grandmother. During this time, a deep language barrier separates them.
Through silence and subtle exchanges, the film uncovers the lingering shadows of colonial history. Ayaan’s experiences shift his perception of strangers and reshape his understanding of himself. The narrative blends intimacy with socio-historical reflection, making it both personal and universal.
Cast and Creative Team
The film features a talented ensemble cast. Actors include Sathya Sridharan, Balinder Johal, Sara Haider, Rajesh Bose, Chris Thorn, and Salwa Khan. Their performances bring depth to the film’s layered themes, bridging generational and cultural divides.
Writer and director Shehrezad Maher is known for exploring stories that question identity and belonging. With The Curfew, Maher continues this creative journey, offering a cinematic piece that highlights both silence and the unspoken weight of history.
Significance for Pakistani Cinema
The selection of The Curfew at Venice highlights a growing global interest in Pakistani storytelling. While mainstream cinema often dominates the global stage, short films provide an essential space for experimentation and cultural expression.
For Pakistan, participation at Venice is not only a matter of prestige but also a vital opportunity for visibility. Festivals like Venice connect filmmakers with international audiences, industry professionals, and critics. They also allow cultural stories to reach beyond national borders, resonating with global viewers.
Historical Context of Pakistan at Venice
Pakistan has gradually carved a place in international film festivals. In 2019, Saim Sadiq’s Darling made headlines with its award-winning run at Venice. That moment became a milestone for Pakistani filmmakers aspiring to reach world stages.
Now, The Curfew continues that legacy. Its premiere marks another step toward recognition of diverse voices emerging from Pakistan.
Broader Impact on Audiences
Films like The Curfew showcase how storytelling transcends borders. They present local realities while engaging with universal human emotions. By addressing themes such as family ties, silence, and historical memory, the film creates space for dialogue across cultures.
Audiences in Venice will witness how Pakistani filmmakers are redefining narratives through short-format cinema. The premiere also serves as encouragement for other South Asian creators to explore intimate stories with global relevance.
The Curfew is more than a short film. It represents the resilience and creativity of Pakistani filmmakers striving for international recognition. Its premiere at the Venice Film Festival stands as proof that Pakistani cinema continues to grow, gaining visibility on platforms where powerful voices are celebrated.
As the world watches, The Curfew may open doors for more Pakistani projects to reach international festivals, further cementing the country’s place in the evolving global film landscape.
