Tarsem Singh's film draws from the tragic real-life story of Jaswinder Kaur Sidhu, a Punjabi-Canadian woman murdered by her disapproving mother and uncle for marrying a rickshaw driver she met in India during a holiday from her affluent Canadian family.
2 of 8
‘Evil Does Not Exist’
In Ryusuke Hamaguchi's eco-fable, single father Takumi and his daughter Hana face a threat to their peaceful forest home as a Tokyo company intends to establish a glamping site, risking environmental consequences.
3 of 8
‘Hiding Saddam Hussein’
Norwegian-Kurdish filmmaker Halkawt Mustafa's recent documentary delves into the remarkable tale of Alaa Namiq. For over 200 days in 2003, Namiq hid Saddam Hussein, the deposed Iraqi president, in a hole on his land to escape pursuers.
4 of 8
‘In Flames’
Pakistani-Canadian director Zarrar Kahn's debut horror film echoes "Inshallah A Boy." After the family patriarch's death, a mother and daughter face malevolent forces, offering commentary on the prevalent male-dominated society they navigate.
5 of 8
‘Omen’
In Baloji's drama, Koffi, born in Congo and rejected by his mother as a sorcerer, experiences an unexpected turn when he returns to his homeland from Europe with his pregnant white girlfriend.
6 of 8
‘Roxana’
Parviz Shahbazi's recent film follows Fred, a 23-year-old adrift and unemployed, spending money on gambling. Even his mother involves the police. Yet, a chance meeting with talented Roxana sparks hope for a transformative turn in his life.
7 of 8
‘Sunday’
Uzbekistan-based director Shokir Kholikov's award-winning debut, depicts a generational conflict between an elderly rural couple and their two sons. The youngest has moved abroad, while the eldest resides nearby.
8 of 8
‘Tiger Stripes’
Amanda Nell Eu's debut, Malaysia's Oscar entry, explores body horror with Zaffan, an 11-year-old undergoing profound changes during puberty. "Tiger Stripes" earned the Critics’ Week Grand Prize at Cannes this year.