To fill a huge gender gap in the field of storytelling using digital media and film, mainly due to lack of awareness and opportunities for women, a movement to encourage and facilitate them in using self-expression, storytelling, fiction, and citizen journalism through filmmaking to raise their voice and create social change, took birth. We call it Women through Film.
While battling the ailing independent film appreciation among the wider public, and supporting to celebrate the work of women filmmakers, came into existence Pakistan’s home-grown Women International Film Festival (WIFF), as the flagship initiative of Women Through Film.
COVID-19 had placed a few challenges for the past two years, but with the advancement of digital media, WIFF has managed to host its annual film festival online. This year as things are slowly returning to normal and regulations are easing, WIFF will be hosting the sixth edition of the festival in person scheduled for March 2022. We will be following strict protocols to ensure everyone’s safety and we look forward to having you join us.
The festival spanned for 6 days, with the first 5 days of the event showing feature-length films made by female filmmakers from Austria, Bulgaria, Italy, Spain, and Sweden, that were received by the audience with keen interest. Many voiced their opinion that they wished to see such cinema being screened in Pakistan in the future as well.
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On the final day, 9th March, the headliner event for WIFF was held where 13 short films, which were shortlisted from thousands from all over the world, were screened. Women from around the world including Bulgaria, Iran, Japan, Spain, Sweden, and the United States, besides some from Pakistan, submitted films that were screened at the event. The themes for this year were Child Abuse, Helping Hands, and Sexual Harassment. The discussion panel for this year, titled Fostering Cultural Diplomacy through Cinema, explored the role films have played, especially in the South Asian context, to define and change perspectives on culture and norms. A lively discussion ensued between the panelists. This was followed by a live performance by a local band to add to the festival experience. After the closing ceremony, a reception was arranged for the guests to interact with each other.
With the support of the European Union Cooperation in Pakistan, Women Through Film hosted the Women International Film Festival film 2018 that screened some of the most resonant and thought-provoking films made by talented independent filmmakers from around the world, purveying important messages on gender equality, women & child rights, and telling stories of inspiring women.
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The film festival closed with the prize distribution, with Fatima Hussaini from Tajikistan, winning first place for her film Screaming Silence. Nmara Nasir from Pakistan secured second place for her She for Her. Third place was awarded to Suruchi Sharma from India, for her film The Dusk. The evening concluded with a musical performance by Dania Adil and Mubbashir Sheikh. As part of the capacity building component, WIFF held the Parwaaz Film Lab where registered/shortlisted filmmakers had the opportunity to learn ‘The Art of Cinematic Storytelling’ in a day-long lab from film experts coming all the way from Europe.
The first of its kind Women International Film Festival was successfully kicked off on the 11th of March 2017 at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) in Islamabad. The two-day festival took place during women’s week, featuring 17 films by amateur filmmakers from Pakistan and around the world. Films came in from countries including Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Malaysia, Nigeria, UK, and Mexico.
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The second day featured a panel discussion with eminent guests including Mishi Khan, Shamoon Hashmi, Kanwal Naseer, and Halimah Tariq. This was followed by a Q&A session with the audience that promoted a healthy exchange of ideas regarding using film as a catalyst for social change in the form of women empowerment. The discussion regarding the dire need for women’s empowerment in Pakistan was not only enlightening but also inspiring. The panel discussion was followed by the much-awaited announcement of the top three winners, with Ashique Mostafa from Bangladesh, winning first place for her film: Statement After My Poet Husband’s Death. Shikha Janet Alagh, from India, secured second place for Deaf Ears. Third place was awarded to Sangeeta Nambiar, from Malaysia, for Rahayu: Her Road to Freedom. To top it off, the evening was concluded with an invigorating musical performance by Mizraab Khawar, the lead vocalist for an underground band.
Timezone: GMT +5
Backbone of WIFF '23
A huge thanks to all our amazing supporters and partners. We couldn’t have this event without your support!
A huge thanks to all our amazing supporters and partners. We couldn’t have this event without your support!
Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA), Islamabad