CHICAGO: The Pakistani music documentary Songs of the Sufi (SOTS) has won the Best Documentary — Audience Choice Award at the 15th Chicago South Asian Film Festival.
This feature documentary explores the rich tradition of classical qawwali through the lens of the Qawwal Bachay Gharana, featuring interviews with qawwals, enthusiasts, devotees, and music scholars. It artfully combines Sufi-inspired visuals from prominent Pakistani artists, Mughal miniature paintings, qawwalis, and verité storytelling to create a captivating cinematic experience.
“Songs of the Sufi is a beautifully crafted film that explores into the history, culture, and universal message of love. I’m thrilled that it stood out at our festival for its masterful direction and emotional depth. Sharukh Waheed and Kamran Anwar have brought this masterpiece to the big screen in a truly divine way!” stated Jigar Shah, Director of the Chicago South Asian Film Festival, in a press release.
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Director Waheed expressed his joy: “It’s wonderful to see our film appreciated both at home and abroad. This is our tribute to the art of qawwali and the families dedicated to preserving this sacred tradition, and we aim to share it with the world.”
Producer Anwar added, “We are encouraged by the positive responses and delighted that the film resonates with juries and audiences everywhere. We thank the judges and viewers who have recognized our work, and we hope the film’s core messages of unity, tolerance, and inclusion, inspired by the great Sufis, will continue to inspire.”
