JanjaalAwards14 international awards · 22 selections · 9 countries
Janjaal (Tussle) is one of the most awarded Pakistani short films in recent international festival history — from a theatrical premiere in Karachi to wins in Canada, India, Scotland and across Pakistan.
Janjaal awards
Since its premiere at Arena Cinemas, Karachi on 5 January 2025, Janjaal has travelled to festivals in Pakistan, India, Canada, Scotland, Kosovo, Turkey, the USA, Iran and Spain, collecting 14 international awards and 22 official selections. Its most recent top honour is Best Short Film at the Toronto Fantasy/Sci-Fi Film Festival 2026. Director Syed Asad Raza Abidi has been named Best Director at four festivals for the film, and its trailer won Best Trailer at The Monthly Film Festival in Scotland.
The festival run
“My vision was much bigger than what we could afford. But that limitation forced us to be more precise, more intentional with every frame. We had 34 hours to make something people would sit still for in a cinema — and they did.” — Syed Asad Raza Abidi
Press coverage: “Pakistani Short Film Janjaal Wins 14 International Awards Across Nine Countries” · openPR · Press & EPK
Awards questions
How many awards has Janjaal won?
Janjaal has won 14 international awards and received 22 official festival selections across 9 countries.
What is the biggest award Janjaal has won?
Janjaal won Best Short Film at the Toronto Fantasy/Sci-Fi Film Festival 2026 in Canada — placing it among the few Pakistani short films to take top honours at a North American genre festival.
In which countries has Janjaal screened?
Janjaal has screened or been selected in Pakistan, India, Canada, Scotland (UK), Kosovo, Turkey, the United States, Iran and Spain.
Did Janjaal have a cinema release?
Yes. Janjaal premiered theatrically at Arena Cinemas, Karachi on 5 January 2025 — an uncommon milestone for a student-produced Pakistani short film.