feature Film
"Nayab" was a labor of love, crafted to tell an authentic and heartfelt story rooted in Pakistan's culture and passion for cricket.
Feature film - “NAYAB”
DIRECTED BY UMAIR NASIR ALI
"Nayab" was a labor of love, crafted to tell an authentic and heartfelt story rooted in Pakistan's culture and passion for cricket. Through Nayab’s inspiring journey, we aimed to challenge societal norms, highlight the resilience of women, and celebrate the unyielding support of family. It was a story of dreams, unity, and perseverance, set against the vibrant backdrop of Karachi.
The film reshaped the landscape of Pakistani cinema, proving that locally rooted stories could resonate globally. It inspired conversations about representation, gender equality, and the power of community, setting new benchmarks for storytelling and character development in the industry. After its global release, "Nayab" achieved extraordinary success, winning Best Foreign Film and Best First-Time Filmmaker (Feature) at the World Film Festival in Cannes.
Additionally, the film was honored with a Diploma in the Main Feature Film Competition at the Minsk International Film Festival "Listapad", recognized for embodying the victorious spirit of the hero's image in the genre of sports drama. "Nayab" was also nominated for a Certificate of Merit in Feature Fiction Film at the Jaipur International Film Festival.
This recognition not only elevated Pakistani cinema but also showcased the universal appeal of our stories. The journey of bringing this film to life remains one of the most rewarding experiences of my career, reinforcing my belief in cinema’s transformative power.
RELEASED GLOBALY IN PAKISTAN, USA, UK, CANADA, UAE, QATAR, OMAN, BAHRAIN, NORWAY, DENMARK
"Nayab"! Dive into the heartwarming bond between Nayab and Akber, set against the vibrant backdrop of Karachi, where cricket is more than just a game—it's a lifeline; Get ready to be swept away by the dreams, drama, and unbreakable bonds of family in the heart of Karachi.
Awards & Recognitions
1. World Film Festival - Cannes (April 2024)
- Award Won: Best Foreign Film
- Award Won: Best First Time Filmmaker Award
2. Jaipur International Film Festival (2024)
- Official Selection.
- Included in the lineup for one of India’s prominent film festivals.
3. Yellowstone International Film Festival - New Delhi, India (2024)
- Official Selection.
- Acknowledged for its exceptional quality and impact
4. 30th Listapad International Film Festival - Minsk, Belarus (2024)
- Award Won: Jury Award in the International Fiction Film Competition.
- Selected from among 3.4 thousand entries from 124 countries, marking its global appreciation.
- The award was received by the Ambassador of Pakistan in Belarus.
5. Kenya International Sports Film Festival (2024)
- Official Selection.
- Special Mention for its compelling narrative intertwining sports and social themes.
6. Karachi Literature Festival 2025
- Featured Screening and Discussion
7. South Asian Film Festival Florida USA 2025 • Official Selection.
- Official Selection.
- Award Won: Yumna Zaidi Best Actress
- Award Won: Best Feature Film
8 South Asian Film Festival Montreal 2025
- Official Selection.
- Award Won: Special Mention Jury Award Feature Fiction for powerfully portraying resilience, dreams and solidarity and especially for women under patriarchy
9. Rung Film Festival Houston USA
- Official Selection. Non-Competition
10. Pakistan Film Festival Jordan
- Official Selection
- Organised by The Royal Film Commission
11. LUX Style Awards 2025
- Best Film Director – Umair Nasir Ali
- Best Film Actress – Yumna Zaidi
Nayab (2024)
With the support of her older, married brother, a young woman rebels against her parents' expectations and trains to become a cricket player for Pakistan's national team.
behind The Scenes
Film Videos
Film News
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