Prestigious awards for local filmmaker for film made in Rochdale

Sonia Khan and Zafar Iqbal

Rochdale-based filmmaker Zafar Iqbal and his team have continued their winning streak with their feature film Miki Kharo Kashmir, the first British Pahari-Pothohari independent film. The film, which was made in Rochdale, has been garnering praise and winning awards across the country.

The film’s most recent success came at the 10th Oracle Awards, held on Saturday 12 October 2024, at Dewsbury Town Hall. Iqbal won the Best Actor and Filmmaker award, while Sonia Khan was honoured with the Best Actress award.

Miki Kharo Kashmir focuses on promoting awareness of Pakistani and Kashmiri culture, language, heritage, and identity.

It has resonated with audiences nationwide, being shown in cinemas in towns and cities such as Rochdale, Birmingham, Luton, Bradford, and Bolton, with a special screening at Rochdale Town Hall.

Speaking about the film’s success, Zafar Iqbal expressed his gratitude, saying: "This award is dedicated to my family, friends, cast, crew, supporters, participants, and volunteers who have made this happen. We are very grateful to Oracle Awards management and Aidan Mufti for recognising and acknowledging our community efforts through moving image."

Iqbal also highlighted the growing interest in his work, with locals and people from across the country approaching him about the development of another community film.

The aim of this potential new project would be to encourage the younger generation to engage with their Pakistani and Kashmiri heritage, amid fears of the community losing touch with its culture, language, and identity.

The success of Miki Kharo Kashmir marks an important milestone for Rochdale’s creative scene and the broader British Pahari-Pothohari community.