Pakistani cinema is experiencing a powerful global resurgence, and its latest triumph came at the SCO Film Festival 2025, where two standout films — Deemak and Nayab — earned top accolades, signaling a new era of international recognition.
Held over five days in Yangzhou, China, the prestigious Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Film Festival celebrated the best in global cinema. Among the winners were two Pakistani productions that showcased the diversity and storytelling power of the nation’s film industry.
🎬 Deemak Wins Best Editing Award
Directed by Rafay Rashdi, the psychological horror thriller Deemak clinched the Best Editing Award, further solidifying its status as Pakistan’s most successful horror film to date — both commercially and critically.
Taking to Instagram, director Rashdi shared the milestone with fans, writing:
“Grateful to the @scosectsco_org, the Government of Pakistan, and the Ministry of Information for their support and recognition. Pakistani cinema continues to rise! 🎬✨”
Actor Sonya Hussyn, who portrayed ‘Hiba’ in Deemak, also attended the event and shared a celebratory selfie with the award, calling it “a proud moment for Pakistan.” And rightly so.
🏏 Nayab Bags Special Jury Award
On a more emotional and inspirational note, Nayab — directed by Umair Nasir Ali and written by Ali Abbasi Naqvi and Basit Naqvi — captured hearts with its uplifting story of a young middle-class girl who dreams of making it big in the male-dominated world of cricket.
Starring Yumna Zaidi and Usama Khan, the film was chosen from among 19 international entries to receive the Special Jury Award — a testament to its powerful storytelling and broad appeal.
Director Umair Nasir Ali took to social media, sharing:
“This is a proud and emotional moment for Pakistani cinema. Thank you to every single person who has been part of Nayab’s journey. This belongs to all of you.”
He added a hopeful note for the future:
“I hope this win and our participation help open more doors for collaboration between filmmakers from Pakistan, China, and other SCO countries — so our stories can continue to travel, connect, and inspire across borders.”