His film Lali continues to gain international acclaim ahead of screenings in Canada
Category: Arts & Culture
Sarmad Khoosat’s Punjabi-language drama Lali has won the Best Director award at the 15th DC South Asian Film Festival (DCSAFF) in 2026, marking a notable achievement in the film's already impressive festival run. The announcement was made via the DCSAFF’s official Instagram page, celebrating Khoosat's contribution to cinema and highlighting the film's success.
This award is particularly meaningful as it is Khoosat's second win in this category at DCSAFF; he previously received the Best Director award for his film Kamli in 2023. The recognition reflects his continued impact on the South Asian film industry and his ability to resonate with audiences both locally and internationally.
Lali has made waves since its premiere at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival in February 2026, where it became the first fully Pakistani-produced feature to screen at the prestigious Berlinale. This historic milestone has set the stage for the film's growing reputation on the global circuit.
Co-written by Khoosat and Sundus Hashmi, Lali tells the poignant story of Zeba, a young woman labeled a "cursed bride" after three of her previous suitors die under mysterious circumstances. As she is arranged to marry Sajawal, played by Channan Hanif, the film explores themes of love, loss, and societal expectations. The ensemble cast also features Mamya Shajaffar, Rasti Farooq from Joyland, and Meher Bano from Churails, with editing by Joyland director Saim Sadiq.
Beyond its narrative, Lali has received accolades for its genre fluidity and visual richness. In April 2026, it was honored with an honourable mention by the feature jury at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles. This recognition is a reflection of Khoosat's skillful storytelling and the film's artistic depth.
The film is also set to screen at the 70th BFI London Film Festival, which runs from October 7 to 18, 2026. This selection as part of the festival's "Laugh" strand highlights its appeal and versatility, promising to engage a diverse audience.
Sarmad Khoosat is an acclaimed director known for his ability to tackle complex subjects with emotional depth and visual flair. His previous works, including Zindagi Tamasha and Kamli, have cemented his reputation as a leading voice in South Asian cinema. Zindagi Tamasha, which earned the Kim Ji-seok Award at the Busan International Film Festival and was Pakistan’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 93rd Academy Awards, exemplifies his commitment to artistic integrity. The film's controversial release, delayed in Pakistan but eventually made available on YouTube, showcased Khoosat's dedication to his vision.
Khoosat's success with Kamli earned him accolades and served to highlight his contributions to the evolution of Pakistani cinema. His ability to engage with challenging themes has made him a respected figure in both national and international film circles.
Following its success at DCSAFF, Lali is set to open the Mississauga International South Asian Film Festival (MISAFF) as the opening-night red carpet gala film. This prestigious placement indicates the film's rising profile and suggests it will continue to attract attention on the international stage.
As Khoosat continues to gain recognition, his films are expected to inspire future generations of filmmakers in Pakistan and beyond. The upcoming screenings in Canada will provide an additional platform for Lali to reach new audiences, potentially leading to more awards and recognitions.
In his Instagram post announcing the DCSAFF win, Khoosat expressed gratitude to those who have supported South Asian stories in America over the past 15 years, stating, "We won an award at DCSAFF. Mubarak to my Lali team and bohat shukria to the lovely people who have been bringing our stories to Amreeka for the last 15 years with so much warmth and dedication." His acknowledgment of the community's support highlights the collaborative effort behind the success of Lali.
As the film continues its festival circuit, the anticipation surrounding its future screenings and potential accolades remains high. The recognition at DCSAFF cements Khoosat's status as a prominent filmmaker and reinforces the importance of diverse narratives in global cinema.