The 8th edition of the Women International Film Festival (WIFF), the two-day event witnessed a diverse array of films from across the globe, emphasizing the festival’s commitment to bridging the gender gap in the world of cinema.
With a staggering 1,300 submissions, the festival showcased 31 compelling short and feature-length films from countries including the UK, Iran, France, Germany, Ukraine, and more. Notably, five films produced by Pakistani filmmakers, including “Hum Awaaz” and “Made with Love,” were among the featured works, said a press release.
A distinguished jury panel, featuring filmmakers Mehreen Jabbar, Usman Mukhtar, and Marya Javed, had the challenging task of selecting the winners. Marjorie Lhomme’s “Paris Bruxelles” from France clinched the coveted Best Film award, while Kainat Thebo’s “Made with Love” earned the Best Pakistani Film Award, supported by the British Council and carrying a prize of 100,000 Pakistani Rupees.
The festival opened its doors for public screenings at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), with support from various international entities, including the Embassy of Spain in Pakistan, Ambassade De France Au Pakistan, and the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany Islamabad. Official media partner Dawn News English and radio partner City Fm 89 played pivotal roles, along with JazzCash as the official digital payment partner.
This year marked the relaunch of the Parwaaz Film Lab, a two-day event led by acclaimed Spanish filmmaker Elena Molina and British Pakistani film director Annusheh Rahim.
Participants from all corners of Pakistan immersed themselves in this enriching experience.
Following the initial screenings at PNCA, the festival extended its reach with four days of intracity screenings. Fatima Jinnah Women University hosted a campus screening, while Black Box Sounds featured Ukrainian Films. Alliance Française d’Islamabad showcased both French and Pakistani Films, and the closing reception took place at the Residence of Spain.
Throughout its 8-year journey, WIFF has steadfastly aimed at eliminating the gender gap in the film industry. By providing a platform for storytellers worldwide, the festival has not only widened appreciation for independent cinema but also promoted female filmmakers. The founder and director, Madeeha Raza, reflected on the festival’s growth, expressing satisfaction in providing exposure and appreciation for independent filmmakers.
