“Songs of the Sufi” Wins Audience Choice Award at Chicago Film Festival

The Pakistani music documentary Songs of the Sufi (SOTS) won the Best Documentary—Audience Choice Award at the 15th Chicago South Asian Film Festival.

This feature documentary explores the tradition of classical qawwali through the perspectives of the Qawwal Bachay Gharana, admirers, devotees, and music scholars. Employing Sufi-inspired art by prominent Pakistani artists, Mughal miniature paintings, qawwalis, interviews, and verité-style narration, the film offers an immersive cinematic and musical experience.

Jigar Shah, Director of the Chicago South Asian Film Festival, commended the documentary: “’Songs of the Sufi’ is expertly crafted, exploring the rich history, culture, and universal message of love. Directors Sharukh Waheed and Kamran Anwar have presented this divine masterpiece with exquisite taste.”

Director Sharukh Waheed expressed his appreciation: “It is gratifying to see our film celebrated domestically and internationally. This documentary is our homage to the art of qawwali and the families dedicated to preserving this sacred tradition.”

Producer Kamran Anwar reflected on the response: “The positive feedback from juries and audiences alike heartens us. We hope the film’s core messages of unity, tolerance, and inclusion, which echo the teachings of the great Sufis, will continue to resonate.”