Balochistani Filmmaker Shines at Cannes with Powerful Short Film ‘Karmash’

 Hyderabad (Sindh) & Gwadar (Balochistan) — A remarkable moment in Pakistani cinema unfolded as the short film Karmash prepares to make its world premiere at the prestigious Directors’ Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival on May 22. The film is directed by self-taught filmmaker Aleem Bukhari from Hyderabad, Sindh, and produced by Irfan Noor from Gwadar, Balochistan.



Karmash: Memoir of a Lost Heir tells the haunting story of a man grappling with the fragmented memories of his heritage. Featuring Irfan Noor K in the lead role, the narrative unfolds around the last surviving member of a tribe as he tries to reconnect with his roots — a profound exploration of lost identity and cultural dislocation.



Despite working with limited resources and a small six-member team, Bukhari has successfully brought his vision to life, demonstrating that passion and storytelling triumph over budget constraints. The film opens with the evocative sound of Japanese Taiko drums, setting a rhythm that mirrors the protagonist’s descent into madness and memory.


For Aleem Bukhari, the film is about “stealing the sense of belonging from someone who belongs to a particular place and culture.” The atmospheric black-and-white visuals add depth to the film’s message, enhancing its artistic merit and emotional resonance.


Irfan Noor’s role as producer is especially significant — hailing from Gwadar, Balochistan, his involvement marks a proud moment for the region’s budding creative community. The collaboration between artists from different provinces exemplifies a unified Pakistani identity on the global stage.


Karmash at Cannes is not just a cinematic achievement but a cultural milestone. It is a beacon of hope for independent filmmakers across Pakistan — proof that authenticity, dedication, and vision can reach the grandest platforms in the world.


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