In Flames

Enter the streets of present-day Karachi, where Mariam, a young woman living with her mother and brother, is plagued by nightmares. Following her grandfather’s passing, his brother attempts to coerce them into relinquishing their apartment. But a hasty decision by Mariam’s grieving mother puts their only asset at risk. As if this weren’t enough, tragedy strikes Mariam’s secret love, Asad, leaving her with no solace. With the greedy uncle backed by Pakistan’s difficult legal system, Mariam and her mother must rely on each other to survive the looming threat.

In Flames is Zarrar Kahn’s debut feature, premiering at Director’s Fortnight in 2023. It’s also the first South Asian horror film ever selected by Cannes. Through the lens of horror, the film delves into the consequences of living in a fiercely patriarchal society, shedding light on the daily struggles of women facing gendered oppression. Through chilling suspense and heart-stopping terror, it exposes the oppressive forces that bind women in a relentless struggle for autonomy and survival.

ZARRAR KAHN
Born in Karachi and now based in Toronto, Zarrar Kahn is a director dedicated to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. In Flames is his first feature film.

In collaboration with

Red Lotus 2024

Pakistan, Canada 2023
98 Min | Color | Urdu with English subtitles

Directed by Zarrar KAHN

In Flames © XYZ Films