A documentary honouring the life and legacy of one of Pakistan’s most celebrated cultural figures, Zia Mohyeddin, is set to make its international premiere at the 49th Asian American International Film Festival (AAIFF) in New York City. Titled The Colour of My Heart, the film will introduce international audiences to the extraordinary journey of an artist whose influence extended across theatre, television, literature and the performing arts. The festival will take place from July 30 to August 9, 2026, with the documentary scheduled to screen on the closing day, August 9.
Directed and produced by filmmaker Umar Riaz, the documentary is the result of nearly 15 years of research, filming and production. What began as Riaz’s graduate thesis at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts eventually evolved into a feature-length documentary, making its New York premiere especially meaningful. The city where the project first took shape will now host its international debut.
The Colour of My Heart traces Zia Mohyeddin’s remarkable life and career, exploring his work in Pakistan and the United Kingdom while highlighting his contributions to theatre, television, film and literature. Throughout his career, Mohyeddin became known for his unmistakable voice, powerful stage presence and exceptional command of both Urdu and English. His recitations of Urdu poetry earned widespread admiration and played an important role in introducing classical literature to new generations.
The documentary goes beyond presenting a chronological account of Mohyeddin’s achievements. It explores his lifelong commitment to preserving and celebrating Urdu language and literature, documenting the passion that defined much of his later career. Poetry by Faiz Ahmed Faiz is woven throughout the narrative, while the late scholar and educationist Dr Arfa Sayeda Zehra provides commentary that adds literary and historical context to the story.
The film had its Pakistani theatrical release on February 6, 2026, giving local audiences an opportunity to experience the documentary before its international festival run. Following its limited release, the filmmakers announced plans to bring it back to cinemas in Pakistan later this year, allowing more viewers to watch the film after its overseas screenings. The documentary’s selection for the Asian American International Film Festival is an important milestone for Pakistani cinema. Founded in 1978, AAIFF is one of the longest-running film festivals in the United States dedicated to showcasing Asian and Asian American stories. Screening at the festival provides the documentary with a valuable international platform while introducing global audiences to the life and legacy of one of Pakistan’s most respected artists.
Director Umar Riaz has established himself internationally as both a filmmaker and photographer. A graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, he has received recognition for his work at several international film festivals, including Locarno, Raindance, Woodstock, Cinequest and Urbanworld. He was also nominated for a Student Oscar, and in 2020 represented Pakistan at Expo Dubai with a film installation for the Pakistan Pavilion, which received the Silver Award for Best Exhibition Design among participating countries.
Zia Mohyeddin, who passed away in 2023, remains an enduring figure in Pakistan’s cultural history. Alongside his acclaimed work in theatre and television, he appeared in internationally recognised films such as Lawrence of Arabia and A Passage to India. However, it was his dedication to language, literature and performance that cemented his place as one of the country’s most influential cultural ambassadors.
As The Colour of My Heart prepares for its international premiere in New York, the documentary offers audiences an opportunity to revisit the life of a man whose work transcended borders and generations. More than a biography, it serves as a celebration of artistic excellence and a lasting tribute to Zia Mohyeddin’s contribution to Pakistan’s literary and cultural heritage.
