Sonya Hussaiyn production selected for Cannes Film Festival | The Express Tribune

Pakistani cinema has reached another global milestone, thanks to Sonya Hussaiyn's latest venture, Babli/Babar. The film, directed by Kamran Faiq and written by Qurbe Abbas, has been officially selected for the Cannes World Film Festival, a recognition that highlights the growing presence of Pakistani storytelling on the international stage.

Produced by Rimshah Amjad and Abdullah Kamran, Babli/Babar also features several new faces, including Hasnan Rana, Tanveer Syed, Zeeshan Haider, Fahad Hashmi, Usman Chaudhry, Razia Malik, and Imtisal Hussain.

Hussaiyn, who not only stars in the film but also makes her debut as a producer, shared the exciting news with her followers on Instagram. She proudly announced the film's selection from thousands of entries, calling it a significant moment for Pakistani cinema.

"I'm absolutely thrilled to share some incredible news: my very first film as a producer has been officially selected for the prestigious World Film Festival in Cannes!" she wrote. "Out of thousands of submissions from around the globe, our project from Pakistan has secured its spot among the finalists. This is not just a proud moment for our team, but a significant milestone for storytelling from our region."

Hussaiyn expressed deep gratitude to her team, emphasising the collective effort behind this achievement. She credited the film's director, Faiq, for his vision and dedication. "The credit for this achievement truly belongs to our incredibly passionate and hardworking director Kamran Faiq. Your vision and commitment have been instrumental in bringing this project to life," she said.

In her post, she also highlighted the contributions of lead actor Rana, along with producers Amjad and Kamran, who poured their unwavering passion into the project. For Hussaiyn, this achievement is not just personal but a testament to the power of storytelling from Pakistan. "Together, we're breaking boundaries and sharing impactful stories that resonate!" she added.

Babli/Babar marks a significant moment for the actor, whose acting portfolio includes acclaimed roles in Aisi Hai Tanhai and Tich Button. This recognition at the Cannes World Film Festival solidifies her growing iNFLuence as both an actor and a producer. As Pakistani cinema continues to push boundaries on the global stage, Babli/Babar stands as a beacon of creative ambition and a celebration of local talent. For Hussaiyn and her team, this is more than a nomination—it is a validation of their hard work and a step forward for the industry.