Gurvinder Singh's latest Punjabi-language feature film, 'Rehmat', has earned a spot in the Main Competition section 'Concorso Internazionale' of the 79th Locarno Film Festival, scheduled from August 5 to 15, 2026. The film stars Naseeruddin Shah, Suvinder Vicky, Mita Vasisht, Navjot Randhawa, and newcomers Diya Kamboj, Harwinder Aujla, and Jaswant Zafar. It will compete for the festival's top honor, the Pardo d'Oro (Golden Leopard), which includes a cash award of CHF 75,000.
World Premiere and Source Material
The world premiere of 'Rehmat' is set for August 6 in Locarno. The film draws inspiration from the short stories of veteran Delhi-based Punjabi writer Ajeet Cour and is co-produced by her daughter, painter Arpana Caur. The narrative weaves three interconnected tales set in present-day Punjab: a woman secretly shelters a wounded stranger in her home while his family grapples with grief and impossible decisions, and a mysterious elderly man arrives in a village claiming to be God.
Additional Recognition and Awards
Beyond the Main Competition, the Locarno Film Festival's artistic team has nominated 'Rehmat' for a special 'Pardo for Change' award. This prize is open to thirteen feature films that address pressing environmental, ethical, social, and cultural issues of broad relevance. A jury of three cinema and culture personalities will select the winner, which grants CHF 20,000 to the director.
Gurvinder Singh's Previous Works
Gurvinder Singh's earlier films include 'Anhey Ghorhey Da Daan', 'Chauthi Koot', and 'Adh Chanani Raat'. His work has been showcased at Cannes, Venice, Rotterdam, Busan, and other major festivals worldwide. He is a National Award winner for Best Director and has twice won the Best Punjabi Film award. 'Rehmat' marks his fourth Punjabi-language feature.
