Hansal Mehta’s ‘Birds in the Dark’ Set to Premiere at Busan International Film Festival 2026
Birds in the Dark (Hanere De Panchi), a film crafted by Shashank Walia, is set to make its World Premiere in the Vision section of the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), scheduled from October 6 to 15, 2026. This narrative Punjabi film, shot in striking black and white, explores the rich tapestry of rural Punjab while incorporating dialects from Punjabi, Kashmiri, and Urdu. Produced by Reema Kaur for Two Black Squares, alongside Hansal Mehta and Sahil Saigal for True Story Films, the film delves into themes of gender, caste, and class.
A Celebration of Independent Cinema
Birds in the Dark aligns with the Busan International Film Festival’s Vision section, which celebrates the independent spirit of Asian cinema. This section aims to highlight bold and personal storytelling within South Asian filmography. The film’s selection underscores its commitment to exploring complex social issues through a unique lens.
Director, writer, and cinematographer Shashank Walia expressed his thoughts on the film’s selection, stating, “Birds in the Dark emerges from the people and returns to them. This film was born from a desire to understand one another through mutual aid, care, and solidarity. It is in these acts that we discover what connects us, what is worth fighting for, and, ultimately, what sustains us; love.”
Insights from the Production Team
Reema Kaur, who not only produced but also edited the film, shared her perspective on the project. She noted, “This film is our sincere attempt to portray the quiet, mundane rhythms of everyday life, and the resilience that lives within them. Living alongside the community, listening to their stories, and working with them to bring this story forth, we discovered the power of the collective. It has been a deeply humbling journey.”
Producer Hansal Mehta, who has previously directed films showcased at Busan, remarked, “This is my 3rd film at Busan (Aligarh and Omerta as Director), and I couldn’t be prouder making my debut as a producer at Busan with Shashank’s exquisitely meditative painting on gender, labour, justice and love.”
Sahil Saigal, another producer, emphasized the film’s significance, stating, “True Story Films has always looked to back distinct, director-driven voices alongside our mainstream work. Birds in the Dark (Hanere De Panchi) belongs on a stage like Busan, and we’re proud to bring it there.”
Founded in 1996, the Busan International Film Festival is Korea’s first film festival and one of Asia’s most significant platforms for new cinema, serving as a cultural bridge between Asian filmmaking and the world.
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