Pakistani movie ‘Welcome to Punjab’ wins Best Audience Award at Baku Film Festival
Pakistan’s film industry has added another proud chapter to its international journey as the Pakistani movie Welcome to Punjab won the Best Audience Award at the Baku Cinema Breeze Film Festival in Azerbaijan. The festival, held from December 7 to 10, 2025, witnessed an active and vibrant participation from Pakistan, continuing a year of significant global recognition for Pakistani cinema. During the event, three Pakistani films were given special screenings, while Welcome to Punjab—produced by Safdar Malik and directed by Shehzad Rafique—was showcased during Pakistan Film Day, attracting an overwhelming response from viewers and ultimately securing the coveted Best Audience Award.
The film’s win has been celebrated by the Pakistani delegation and the country’s entertainment fraternity as an indicator of Pakistan’s growing soft power and its increasing prominence in global storytelling. Delegation members said that this award demonstrates that Pakistani cinema is now capturing international audiences with relatable narratives, cultural authenticity, and improved production standards. They noted that global festivals are now showing greater interest in Pakistani films compared to previous years, reflecting a shift in both quality and recognition.
The year 2025 has already been landmark for the country’s film industry, with multiple accolades won at renowned international platforms. Earlier this year, at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Film Festival in China, the Pakistani film Nayab earned the Best Jury Critic Award, while another film Diimak secured the Best Editing Award—highlighting the diverse talent emerging from Pakistan’s film ecosystem. Industry experts say that the consistent global appreciation reflects not only the creative evolution of Pakistani filmmakers but also an increasing willingness among audiences worldwide to engage with stories grounded in South Asian culture and identity.
The latest win by Welcome to Punjab has sparked renewed discussions within Pakistan about the revival and future of the local film industry. Producers and filmmakers have expressed hope that such international milestones will encourage policymakers and investors to support the sector, enabling more films to compete on global platforms. Audiences across Pakistan have also taken to social media to congratulate the film’s team, praising the movie for representing the country positively at an international festival.
As Pakistani cinema continues to expand its presence at global festivals, the success of Welcome to Punjab is expected to inspire more filmmakers to pursue ambitious projects with international appeal, strengthening Pakistan’s cultural footprint worldwide.
