Sarmad Khoosat, for his 2022 masterpiece, “Kamli,” has secured Best Director award at the esteemed DC South Asian Film Festival in the heart of Washington, D.C. This festival, a highlight in the city’s cultural calendar, showcases the finest global alternative cinema from nations like India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and more.
Expressing his joy, Khoosat took to Instagram, sharing a snapshot of the coveted award. The news spread like wildfire, gathering heaps of congratulations and well-wishes from fans and celebrities. Notable names like Sarwat Gillani, Tooba Siddiqui, and filmmaker Jawad Sharif poured in their praises. Even actor Omair Rana, a key part of the film, applauded Khoosat’s achievement.
READ MORE: Yumna Zaidi making cinematic debut with ‘Nayab’: A tale of cricket and dreams
“Kamli” continued its winning streak, securing three prestigious awards at the Minsk International Film Festival. Saba Qamar bagged the Best Actor Award, while Khoosat clinched the Best Director Award, and the film itself received the Viewers’ Choice accolade at the renowned Listapad festival in Belarus. Celebrations erupted on Khoosat Films’ official Instagram handle, marking this triumph with zeal.
Adding to the glory, Sania Saeed, portraying the role of a blind woman, Sakina, in “Kamli,” earned the Best Actress title at the Mosaic International South Asian Film Festival in Mississauga, Canada. Alongside Saba and Sania, the film features a stellar cast including Nimra Bucha, Adeel Afzal, Iman Shahid, and introduced Hamza Khawaja.
Khoosat’s earlier venture, “Zindagi Tamasha,” Pakistan’s entry to the 93rd Oscars in the Best International Film category, garnered global acclaim and numerous awards. Despite hurdles faced due to protests, including limited local screenings despite clearance from censor boards, Khoosat finally released the film on online platforms like YouTube and Vimeo on August 4, 2023, allowing wider access to audiences.
