Aleem Bukhari
Aleem Bukhari | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 1, 1996 |
| Nationality | Pakistani |
| Occupation(s) | Filmmaker, visual artist, screenwriter |
| Years active | 2016–present |
| Notable work | Sapola, Aik Do Teen, Anaari Science, Karmash |
| Awards | See Awards |
Aleem Bukhari (born 1996) is a Pakistani filmmaker, screenwriter, and visual artist known for experimental and genre-blending short films and music videos. His work often combines science fiction, occult horror, and surrealist imagery. In 2025, his short film Karmash became the first Pakistani short ever selected for the Directors' Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival.[1][2]
Early life and education
Bukhari was born in Hyderabad, Sindh, in 1996. He left formal schooling during O-levels, later attending the National College of Arts in Lahore before dropping out after a few weeks to pursue filmmaking independently. He describes himself as a self-taught artist who learned through online resources and watching films.[3]
Career
Early work
Bukhari began his creative career in 2014–2016, producing music videos and experimental shorts while also working as a digital illustrator and photographer.
Sapola (2018)
His breakout work, Sapola, is a horror-mystery short about honour killing. The film won Best Direction and Best Screenplay at the FiLUMS International Film Festival and was screened internationally, including at Kerry Film Festival (Ireland) and Lisbon’s Cinalfama Awards.[4]
Aik Do Teen (2019)
In 2019, Bukhari directed the music video Aik Do Teen for musician Umer Farooq, which incorporated cosmic horror and science fiction elements. It won Best Direction, Best Editing, and Best Screenplay at FiLUMS 2020.[5]
Anaari Science (2024)
In 2024, Bukhari released Anaari Science, a 42-minute sci-fi experimental short exploring the transition from analogue to digital worlds. It won Best Feature Film at FiLUMS.[6][7]
Karmash and Cannes debut (2025)
Bukhari’s 2024 short Karmash—an experimental black-and-white horror piece about the last survivor of the fictional Karmash tribe—was produced on a minimal budget using borrowed equipment. In 2025, it premiered at the Cannes Film Festival’s Directors’ Fortnight.[8][9][10][11][12] The film was praised for its haunting atmosphere and exploration of ancestral memory.[13]
Artistic style and influences
Bukhari's films are rooted in humanist concerns—focusing on the lives of marginalised or working-class characters—while also weaving in genre elements such as horror, sci-fi, and surrealism. His visual approach features dreamlike pacing, grainy textures, and decayed imagery that underscore deeper social and existential themes.[14]
Filmography
- 2016 – Various short experimental films (director, writer)
- 2018 – Sapola (short film; director, writer)
- 2019 – Aik Do Teen (music video; director, editor)
- 2024 – Anaari Science (short film; director, writer)
- 2024 – Karmash (short film; director, writer)
Awards and nominations
- 2018 – FiLUMS International Film Festival: Best Direction (Sapola) – Won
- 2018 – FiLUMS International Film Festival: Best Screenplay (Sapola) – Won
- 2019 – FiLUMS International Film Festival: Best Direction (Aik Do Teen) – Won
- 2019 – FiLUMS International Film Festival: Best Editing (Aik Do Teen) – Won
- 2019 – FiLUMS International Film Festival: Best Screenplay (Aik Do Teen) – Won
- 2024 – FiLUMS International Film Festival: Best Feature Film (Anaari Science) – Won
- 2025 – Cannes Film Festival (Directors’ Fortnight): Official Selection (Karmash)
References
- ^ "Karmash". Quinzaine des Cinéastes. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ^ "Aleem Bukhari's Karmash makes history". Asian Movie Pulse. 3 May 2025. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ^ "Meet Aleem Bukhari, the self-taught filmmaker making waves". Dawn Images. 15 December 2018. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ^ "This horror short film about karo kari is a surprise hit". Dawn Images. 15 December 2018. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ^ "Aik Do Teen – Aleem Bukhari". FilmFreeway. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ^ "Trailer launch of Anaari Science unveils surreal cinematic journey". Samaa TV. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ^ "Anaari Science left me with more questions than answers". The Express Tribune. 3 February 2025. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ^ "Pakistani filmmakers' creative rebellion at Cannes panel". Variety. 22 May 2025. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ^ "From Hyderabad to Cannes". The Express Tribune. 22 May 2025. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ^ "Pakistanis who made it to Cannes 2025 and made us proud yet again". Fuchsia Magazine. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ^ "Karmash review: an unnerving fractured mood piece on cultural erasure". Outlook India. 22 May 2025. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ^ "Short film review: Karmash (2025) by Aleem Bukhari". Asian Movie Pulse. 22 May 2025. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ^ "Pakistani filmmakers take the spotlight as Crescent Collective returns to Cannes". Bloom Pakistan. 27 May 2025. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ^ "Aleem Bukhari takes Hyderabad to Cannes". The Express Tribune. 22 May 2025. Retrieved 13 August 2025.