Meet the young Pakistani filmmaker challenging stereotypes and empowering women through storytelling
For Bushra Sultan, storytelling began as a teenage joke. “I went to watch a film with my family, and a few minutes into the film, I thought, ‘No, this cannot be my future. I’m going to be a filmmaker,’” she recalled.
But a decision to learn the art of creative freedom and storytelling at the National College of Arts- NCA, kickstarted her journey to becoming a professional filmmaker and creative director.
Growing up in a society where women are often tied to conventional roles, her choice felt rebellious but with the support of her family, she carved her way up into becoming one of the world’s youngest recognised Pakistani filmmakers.
“Getting into filmmaking felt like a rebellion, and it still feels like that. It was hard to convince people to trust a young woman in leadership roles. There was no roadmap for any of us,” she told GSW’s Wonder Hagan.
Promoting bold narratives for women
Bushra’s work challenges stereotypes and highlights the inequalities and challenges faced by particularly women in society. Through 17 short films and campaigns Guria, Chimera and Dear Sweet Nightmares, the young Pakistani filmmaker is redefining filmmaking in the South Asian region.
Her campaign, Guria which has gained global popularity, for instance, focuses on South Asian brides and weddings. Bushra explained that weddings which portray rich tradition and culture have over time shifted focus and become more of a spectacle rather than a big day for the brides.
Many South Asian brides become ‘puppets’ during their own weddings, having to satisfy family and society’s expectations of how the event should be rather than how they want their day to turn out.
Through her work, she questions how brides are often reduced to their attire and societal expectations. “Every step a bride takes is dictated and judged. Her personal desires are ignored to put on this huge spectacle,” she explained.
Redefining Filmmaking in Pakistan
Bushra’s work is also a platform to amplify Pakistani stories.
“The world wants to see Pakistani narratives. There is an audience out there for Pakistani cinema and art,” she said.
She emphasised the importance of collaboration to support local artists. “We need international co-productions and better distribution channels. There are so many Pakistani artists who have gained global recognition, and the impact of their work is massive,” she explained.
Recognition and works
Bushra’s work has gained global recognition on platforms including Forbes and the Flaunt Magazines. As one of seven Pakistanis recognised in the Forbes 30 under 30 Awards for her craft, she expressed excitement. Despite challenges, she finds the recognition humbling.
“It’s truly humbling, and I’m blessed. I hope to create more and stronger narratives that are unapologetically bold and honest,” she added.
Investing in future generations
Beyond filmmaking, Bushra runs a charity school with about 500 students from underprivileged communities. “These kids come from places where even getting an education is seen as a taboo or not important enough,” she said.
While the school provides conventional education, she’s working on adding a vocational training centre. “I want to teach them skills I’ve learned, so they can also venture into creative industries,” she explained.
Her goal is to leave an impact through both her art and her community work. “I want to encourage people to be unapologetically honest with their craft and create strong narratives that exist in Pakistan,” she said.
Watch her full interview with GSW here:
