Following its success at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, the Yumna Zaidi starrer Nayab can add yet another feather to its cap. The film portraying the heartwarming tale of a young girl who yearns to be a cricketer has been selected for the ninth Jaipur International Film Festival to be held in India from August 28-30.
Director Umair Nasir Ali took to his Instagram Stories to share news of the accomplishment on August 14. “This Independence Day, we are delighted to share that Pakistan’s celebrations have become even more special with the official selection of our film Nayab at the 9th Jaipur International Film Festival in India,” he penned. “Nayab is a project close to our hearts, and this recognition is a testament to the hard work and passion of everyone involved, from our EPs to our production boys.”
Umair also paid tribute to Arshad Nadeem’s recent javelin gold medal at the Olympics and went on to highlight how both cinema and sports had come together to put the country in the spotlight. “These moments in cinema and sports fill us with immense pride as Pakistan continues to shine on the global stage,” wrote the director.
In March this year, Nayab earned the titles of ‘Best Foreign Film’ and ‘Best First-Time Filmmaker’ in the feature film category at the World Film Festival in Cannes, marking a historic milestone for Pakistani cinema on the global stage.
Starring Yumna and Usama Khan, Nayab is a sports drama that ventures beyond the typical genre conventions. The film’s narrative centres on a young cricket enthusiast named Nayab, portrayed by Yumna, who, despite facing familial opposition and societal constraints, strives to pursue her passion for cricket. Under the guidance of her elder brother, she finds a way to join a cricket camp, navigating the complexities of her aspirations against the backdrop of middle-class struggles.
