Locarno Film Festival: ‘As Light as Air’ Director Umair Bilal on Pakistani Shrine Town

Pakistani filmmaker Umair Bilal discusses his debut feature documentary, “As Light as Air,” which premiered at the Locarno Film Festival. The film delves into the spiritual practices and atmosphere of Sehwan, a town in Pakistan renowned for its Sufi shrines. Bilal explained to Variety that his initial attempts to impose a conventional directorial logic onto Sehwan proved counterproductive. He found that the town’s inherent rhythm and spiritual energy resisted external structural impositions, leading him to adopt a more receptive and immersive approach to filmmaking.

Bilal spent months in Sehwan attempting to direct the documentary, but he ultimately surrendered his preconceived notions to the environment. He described the experience as a process of becoming “part of its rhythm,” indicating a shift from an observational stance to one of deep engagement. This surrender allowed him to capture the authentic essence of the town and its inhabitants, particularly those involved in Sufi trance rituals. The documentary aims to convey the sensory and spiritual experience of Sehwan, moving beyond a purely narrative or analytical framework.

The film’s title, “As Light as Air,” suggests a theme of transcendence and spiritual lightness, which is central to the Sufi traditions explored. Bilal’s approach emphasizes the importance of surrendering to the subject matter, allowing the documentary to unfold organically rather than being strictly controlled. This method is particularly relevant when documenting spiritual practices, where the intangible aspects of faith and experience are paramount. The film’s premiere at the Locarno Film Festival provides an international platform for audiences to engage with Pakistani culture and spirituality through Bilal’s unique cinematic lens.

Bilal’s journey in making “As Light as Air” highlights a growing trend in documentary filmmaking that prioritizes authenticity and experiential storytelling. By stepping back from a rigid directorial control, he aimed to create a more profound connection between the viewer and the subject. The documentary’s focus on Sufi trance in Sehwan offers a glimpse into a rich cultural and religious heritage, presenting it not just as a subject of study but as a lived experience. The film’s success at Locarno will likely be measured by its ability to transport viewers to Sehwan and evoke the spiritual atmosphere Bilal sought to capture.