Pakistan’s First Sindhi Film Premieres at Jaipur Film Festival

Pakistan’s First Sindhi-Language Film in Decades to Premiere at Jaipur International Film Festival

Pakistan’s first Sindhi-language film in nearly three decades, Indus Echoes (Sindhu Ji Goonj), will premiere at the Jaipur International Film Festival (JIFF) on January 21. Directed and produced by Rahul Aijaz, a Pakistani journalist-turned-filmmaker, the film will debut internationally at the festival, which begins on January 17. The screening is set for January 21 at the Rajasthan Adult Education Association in Jaipur.

Inspiration and Storyline of Indus Echoes

Aijaz drew inspiration from the Indus River, a symbol of Sindhi culture that has fascinated him for years. He explores the deep bond between people and the river through five interwoven stories set along its banks. Indus Echoes is a collaboration between Pakistan’s Film N’ Chips Media Productions, Shaam Films, and South Korea’s Big Meta Films. The film stars Sindhi-speaking actors Vajdaan Shah and Ansaar Mahar, with Samina Seher in key roles. Shamoon Abbasi, a renowned actor, also serves as the executive producer.

A Significant Milestone for Sindhi Cinema

This premiere marks a pivotal moment for Sindhi cinema, reviving the genre after decades of neglect. The last Sindhi film in Pakistan, Himmat, released in 1997, while the first Sindhi film, Umar Marvi, debuted in 1956. Since then, Sindhi telefilms and short films have been few and far between. Indus Echoes aims to reintroduce Sindhi-language feature films to a global audience, offering fresh storytelling from the region.

Rahul Aijaz’s Previous Work and Impact on Sindhi Cinema

Rahul Aijaz is also known for his short films. His work, A Train Crosses the Desert, screened in multiple countries, including JIFF in 2021. With Indus Echoes, Aijaz hopes to rekindle interest in Sindhi-language cinema and showcase its cultural richness on the international stage.

The film’s significance lies in its portrayal of the enduring bond between people and the Indus River, a lifeline for the region. Through compelling narratives and an authentic Sindhi cast, Indus Echoes delivers a unique perspective on culture and identity. By premiering at JIFF, the film aims to celebrate Sindhi heritage while reintroducing the language and its storytelling traditions to the world.