Pakistani filmmaker Sarmad Khoosat’s upcoming film Lali (Redness) will have its world premiere at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, one of the world’s largest public film festivals held annually in Berlin, Germany. The 10-day festival is scheduled from February 12 to 22, 2026.
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The announcement came via Lali’s official Instagram account, which unveiled the film’s poster. The makers wrote, “Our hearts are full of gratitude, of stories, of all those who held this film with care,” confirming the debut. The poster captures the chaos of a South Asian wedding, showing a crowded baraat bus filled with nosy relatives, the dulha hidden behind a tacky sehra, and the stunned bride, played by Mamya Shahjaffar.
#NEWSUpdate: #SarmadKhoosat’s latest film ‘#Lali’ is all set for its world premiere at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival. The film stars Mamya Shajaffar, Mehar Bano and Rasti Farooq!✨#Berlinale2026 @KhoosatFilms pic.twitter.com/BbZKCsUCX2
— Pakistani Cinema (@PakistaniCinema) January 15, 2026
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The image portrays a wedding tableau rooted in lower-middle-class Pakistani life, with each character suggesting its own backstory — from curious cousins to unbothered uncles and prying boys. The chaotic yet vivid frame reflects the humor, tension, and vibrancy that the film promises.
Lali features a strong ensemble, including Joyland’s Rasti Farooq in a grumpy avatar, and Churail star Meher Bano. Original songs are composed by Punjabi hip-hop artist Star Shah, while the score is by Abdullah Siddiqui. The film is a collaboration between Khoosat Films and Dubai-based Enso Studios, with Joyland director Saim Sadiq and actor Tooba Siddiqui serving as executive producers.
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As Lali heads to Berlin, it joins a growing wave of Pakistani films gaining recognition on the world’s most influential festival circuits. The premiere represents not just a milestone for Khoosat but also a significant moment for Pakistani cinema, showcasing its storytelling, cultural textures, and musical richness to an international audience.