After nearly three decades, the Sindhi language returned to Pakistan’s cinematic spotlight with the special screening of Indus Echoes — the first Sindhi feature film to be released in 28 years. The film premiered on Sunday at Karachi’s National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) under the “Imagine Life” project, a collaboration between NAPA and the Climate Action Centre (CAC).

Indus Echoeswritten and directed by Rahul Aijaz, isn’t just a film — it’s a poetic, immersive journey into the lives of the people living along the mighty Indus River. Told entirely in Sindhi with English subtitles, the film beautifully captures the intertwined lives of farmers, lovers, poets, and fishermen. At its heart, the film is about the emotional, spiritual, and physical relationship between people and the river — a connection that’s as fragile as it is timeless.

The screening was followed by a powerful panel discussion. Journalist and activist Afaq Bhatti called attention to the deep wounds inflicted on the river by man-made structures like dams and barrages. He shared that the film was shot near Kotri Barrage, emphasizing the urgency of documenting what is being lost — not just environmentally, but culturally.

Speaking at the event, CAC Director Yasir Darya shared how watching just the trailer of Indus Echoes moved him to support its premiere. “This isn’t just a film,” he said. “It’s a reminder of what we’re forgetting — our roots, our environment, and our identity.” The film is set to be released nationwide on September 12.

The event began with presentations by Dr. Sadia Abbas (Rutgers University) and cultural expert Nilofer Farukh. Dr. Abbas underlined how climate change is a shared global responsibility, deeply tied to colonial histories and post-industrial exploitation. Nilofer Farukh spoke about the role of imagination and creativity in responding to ecological challenges, stressing that people have long ignored the messages of the earth.

Another panel, titled Connecting Transformative Energiesexplored how film, storytelling, and collective imagination can shape a better future. The discussion painted a hopeful vision of how cinema can be a force for environmental and cultural preservation.

Indus Echoes is not just a film—it’s a cultural revival and a call to reconnect with the land, water, and stories that shape who we are.

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