ISLAMABAD: The eighth edition of the Women International Film Festival (WIFF) concluded on Sunday, marking the culmination of a two-day event dedicated to promoting gender equality in the world of cinema. Held in Islamabad from March 2nd, 2024, the festival showcased a rich selection of films from around the globe, underscoring its commitment to amplifying the voices of female filmmakers.
Featuring a total of 31 captivating short and feature-length films, the festival received an overwhelming 1,300 submissions from various countries, including the UK, Iran, France, Germany, and Ukraine. The two-day event presented films from nations including Britain, Iran, France, Germany, Ukraine, Spain, Lebanon, Egypt, Russia, Estonia, Poland, Japan, Mexico, Italy, Canada, Chile, Turkey, and Argentina. Additionally, five films by Pakistani filmmakers were showcased, titled ‘Hum Awaaz’, ‘Made with Love’, ‘Prolific Hustling’, ‘Woman of Courage’, and ‘10 More Minutes’.
A distinguished jury panel, comprising filmmakers Mehreen Jabbar, Usman Mukhtar, and Marya Javed, deliberated over the submissions and awarded Marjorie Lhomme’s “Paris Bruxelles” from France the prestigious Best Film award. Additionally, Kainat Thebo’s “Made with Love” received the Best Pakistani Film Award, supported by the British Council, with a prize of 100,000 Pakistani Rupees.
The festival, held at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), received support from international entities such as the Embassy of Spain, and the Embassy of Germany in Islamabad.
A highlight of this year’s festival was the relaunch of the Parwaaz Film Lab, a two-day event led by acclaimed filmmakers Elena Molina and Annusheh Rahim. Participants from across Pakistan engaged in workshops and discussions, enriching their understanding of filmmaking.
Expanding its reach beyond PNCA, the festival hosted intracity screenings at various venues, including Fatima Jinnah Women University, Black Box Sounds, and Alliance Française d’Islamabad. The closing reception was held at the Residence of Spain, bringing the festivities to a grand conclusion.
Women International Film Festival Aims to Empower Women
Founded and directed by Madeeha Raza, WIFF has been instrumental in bridging the gender gap in the film industry over its 8-year journey. Through its platform, the festival continues to empower female storytellers and foster a community of independent filmmakers dedicated to addressing important issues through film.
Supported by the embassies of Spain, Germany, France, and Ukraine, WIFF aims to promote and empower young girls and women to utilize self-expression, storytelling, and fiction through filmmaking.
WIFF serves as a Pakistan-based endeavour dedicated to fostering creativity and providing a platform for women in the film industry to showcase their talent and stories, contributing to cultural exchange and empowerment.
