Screening of Showgirls of Pakistan at Museum of the Moving Image
by Khajistan Cultural Desk
·
Friday, Sep 26, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
Location: Redstone Theater
Part of Open Worlds 2025
Screening and Q&A with filmmakers Saad Khan, Anam Abbas, and Joey Chriqui, preceded by reception (at 5:00 p.m.)
Dir. Saad Khan. 2020. 106 min. DCP.
Showgirls of Pakistan follows mujra dancers Afreen Khan, Uzma Khan, and Reema Jaan as they defy censorship, predatory managers, and social stigma in pursuit of stardom. The documentary recasts the centuries-old mujra tradition, originally performed by appointed dancers in the courts of the Mughal Empire, as a stage for moral contest. Using the dancers’ own social-media videos and intimate vérité alongside archival footage from decades of Pakistani film and television, Showgirls weaves together their personal journeys with the larger story of the country’s performing arts and screen culture. Showgirls of Pakistan unfolds as an arresting and singular portrait of women who perform, endure, and dream in the spotlight.
As part of the Museum’s Open Worlds 2025 programming, a free reception will be held in the Museum courtyard from 5:00–7:00 p.m., with a DJ mix by Khajistan and an installation of newly unearthed video and artwork from Khajistan’s archive.
Tickets: $17.50 / $12 senior and students / $10 youth (ages 3–17) / discounted for MoMI members ($7–$11). There is a $1.50 transaction fee per ticket for all online purchases. The cost of admission may be applied toward a same-day purchase of a membership.
Order tickets. Please pick up tickets at the Museum’s admissions desk upon arrival. All seating is general admission.
Images from the event:
