Best of Lollywood: A look at Pakistan’s Oscar submission

Pakistani filmmakers have presented unique and powerful stories that have caught the world’s attention over the past several decades.

Though not all have earned Oscar nominations, these films have showcased the country’s talent on the global stage.

Here’s a look at some of the most notable Oscar submissions from Pakistan.

Jago Hua Savera (1963)

Jago Hua Savera marked Pakistan’s first-ever submission to the Oscars. Directed by A.K. Brohi, the film tells the story of fishermen struggling with their harsh lives. Although it did not receive a nomination, it paved the way for future Oscar entries from Pakistan.

Ghunghat (1963)

Ghunghat, meaning veil, was another submission from Pakistan. Directed by Zahir Raihan, this film delves into the complex dynamics of social relationships. While it did not get nominated, it was a significant moment in Pakistan’s cinematic history. After this, nearly 50 years passed before another film from Pakistan was submitted to the Oscars.

Zinda Bhaag (2013)

In 2013, Zinda Bhaag marked Pakistan’s return to the Oscars. Directed by Meenu Gaur and Farjad Nabi, the film explores the dreams and struggles of young men in Lahore. It reignited Pakistan’s participation in the Academy Awards and brought attention to the country’s evolving film industry. 

Dukhtar (2014)

Dukhtar, directed by Afia Nathaniel, tells the powerful story of a mother’s determination to protect her daughter from an arranged marriage. The film, selected as Pakistan’s submission in 2014, struck a chord with audiences for its raw portrayal of a woman’s strength and sacrifice.

Mah-e-Mir (2016) 

Directed by Anjum Shahzad, Mah-e-Mir offers a poetic tribute to great Urdu poet Mir Taqi Mir. The film intertwines the poet’s work with a modern-day narrative, offering a deep and visually stunning experience for audiences. Though it did not earn a nomination, the film remains an important contribution to Pakistani cinema.

Cake (2018) 

Asim Abbasi’s Cake explores complex family dynamics, capturing the emotional depth of sibling relationships and unresolved family issues. The film’s raw and realistic portrayal of family resonated with both local and international audiences, making it a memorable submission for the Oscars in 2018.

Zindagi Tamasha (2020) 

Zindagi Tamasha, directed by Sarmad Khoosat, tackled sensitive social issues with bold storytelling. Despite stirring controversies in Pakistan, the film gained international recognition and was selected as the official submission for Oscars in 2020.

Joyland (2022)

Directed by Saim Sadiq, Joyland made history in 2022 by becoming the first Pakistani film to be shortlisted for the Oscars. The film, which portrays love and identity while breaking societal norms, received international acclaim for its originality.

The Glassworker (2024)  

This year, The Glassworker was selected as Pakistan’s Oscar submission. It was directed by Usman Riaz and produced by Mano Animation Studios.

The film, as Pakistan’s first-ever hand-drawn animation, combines stunning visuals with a compelling narrative. It stands out as a major achievement for Pakistani animation and showcases the country’s growing influence in diverse film genres.