The 4th European Film Festival (EUFF) 2025 has returned to Pakistan this November, offering audiences in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore an immersive journey into European cinema and cultural storytelling. Hosted by the Delegation of the European Union to Pakistan and curated by Olomopolo Media, the festival presents an opportunity to experience films that connect communities, explore diverse perspectives, and encourage reflection on shared human experiences. Across the three cities, the festival features 19 feature films and 10 short films produced by EU Member States, covering genres such as comedy, thriller, documentary, and fiction. The stories explore themes of family, friendship, childhood, romance, climate change, history, war, economic challenges, and human rights, reflecting the diversity and creativity of contemporary European filmmaking.
The festival opened in Islamabad on November 7 and 8 at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), combining film screenings with interactive experiences to engage audiences of all ages. Highlights included films such as Behind the Curtain of High Mountains from Czech Republic, Without Air from Hungary, That They May Face the Rising Sun from Ireland, and The Olive Tree from Spain. Short films including HABĀ, White Ribbons, Diamond & Narcissus from Austria, and A Sea of Trash from Portugal were also presented in collaboration with EU Member States. Family-friendly screenings included Itty Bitty Princess from Finland and My Dad is a Sausage from Belgium. In addition to film screenings, Islamabad hosted a Filmmakers Mixer, a social dance, and a dramatic reading, offering opportunities for dialogue and collaboration among local and international creative professionals.
The festival then moved to Karachi on November 15 and 16 at the Karachi Film School, where European creativity met the city’s dynamic cultural spirit. Film screenings continued over two days, complemented by interactive sessions, social dances, and a Filmmakers Mixer to encourage discussion between emerging and established filmmakers. The Karachi leg highlighted both European artistic innovation and the city’s active engagement with cultural programming, fostering connections between local audiences, students, and international filmmakers.
Finally, the festival concluded in Lahore on November 22 and 23 at the Alhamra Arts Council, where screenings, live performances, and interactive installations spanned multiple venues including Hall 3, Adabi Baithak, and the open-air courtyard. The closing weekend offered a rich cultural experience, with dramatic readings and social dances providing opportunities for audience participation and celebration of the arts. Across all cities, immersive installations such as the Wall of Fame, Auteur Ego, Human Slot Game, and 360° camera encouraged engagement beyond traditional screenings, while dedicated spaces like the Reading Nook and Kids’ Corner provided areas for reflection and creativity. Photobooths and curated food kiosks further enhanced the festival atmosphere, transforming each venue into a vibrant creative space.
Free and open to the public, EUFF 2025 welcomed families, students, local artists, diplomats, and film enthusiasts to explore cinema as a tool of cultural connection and exchange. Supported by FM91, HUM TV, HUM NEWS, Pakistan Film Society, Digital Development Lab, Kitab Ghar, Suno Kahani Meri Zubani, Bethak, Tasweer Ghar, Chalti Tasveerain, Institute of Business Management’s Film Society, Salim Habib University’s Marketing & Media Society, Karachi Film School, and Alhamra Arts Council, the festival demonstrated the continuing role of film and performing arts in fostering dialogue and socio-cultural engagement in Pakistan.
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