The London Pakistani Film Festival (LPFF), a groundbreaking annual celebration of films and dramas from or about the Pakistani diaspora, is set to make its debut this October. The festival, which promises to be the largest showcase of Pakistani films and dramas outside of Pakistan, will span four days across various prestigious venues in London.
The festival will kick off on October 1 at the HMS Wellington Ship, followed by screenings at Rich Mix Cinema and Queen Mary University on October 2, Rich Mix Cinema and Garden Cinema on October 3, and will conclude with a grand finale at Barbican Cinema on October 4.
The LPFF is designed to bring the rich artistic and modern culture of Pakistan to the mainstream, providing a platform for Pakistani filmmakers and storytellers to showcase their work to an international audience. The event will feature a diverse selection of films, including feature films, documentaries, and short films, reflecting the vibrant narratives emerging from Pakistan’s film industry.
Feature Film Lineup
Among the official feature film selections are some of the most anticipated Pakistani films of the year. These include Humayun Saeed and Mehwish Hayat’s London Nahi Jaunga, Sarmad Sultan Khoosat’s extended director’s cut of Zindagi Tamasha, Yumna Zaidi’s Nayab, and the romance-drama anthology Teri Meri Kahaniyaan starring Sheheryar Munawar, Hayat, Wahaj Ali, Ramsha Khan, and Zahid Ahmed. The festival will also showcase the blockbuster The Legend of Maula Jatt, featuring Fawad Khan, Hamza Ali Abbasi, and Mahira Khan, a film that has garnered widespread acclaim.
Drama Selections
In addition to films, LPFF will also highlight some of the finest dramas from Pakistan. The official drama selections include the upcoming Zindagi Originals Farrar, directed by Mehreen Jabbar and starring Sarwat Gilani, Mariam Saleem, and Maha Hasan. Another notable selection is The Pink Shirt, directed by Kashif Nisar, featuring an all-star cast including Sajal Aly, Wahaj Ali, and Sania Saeed.
Organizers and Partners
LPFF is a project of Positive Action Through Creativity (PAC), a UK-registered charity founded by Assad Khan, with Mansur Ali and Shoaib Qureshi serving as co-founders. The festival’s jury boasts a distinguished lineup, including veteran actor Hameed Sheikh, director Mehreen Jabbar, film critic and filmmaker Kamran Jawaid, cinematographer and director Farhan Alam, and filmmakers Raaj Rahhi, Max Shaukat, Kay Ram, Mehnaz Alavi Diwan, and Qais Quraishi.
The advisory board features notable figures such as veteran producer Satish Anand, celebrated actor and producer Humayun Saeed, distributor and producer Nadeem Mandviwalla, London-based journalist E Nina Rothe, Joe Mirza, and Hassan Zuberi.
Kamran Jawaid, through his film production and distribution company Anthem Films, also serves as the festival’s director. Geo TV has been named as the official media partner for this inaugural event.
Submissions and Participation
Submissions for films and dramas are now open via LPFF’s website and FilmFreeway, offering filmmakers from around the world an opportunity to participate in this landmark event. The London Pakistani Film Festival is more than just a celebration of cinema; it is a bridge that connects the rich, diverse culture of Pakistan with global audiences, fostering greater understanding and appreciation of Pakistani stories.
As the festival approaches, anticipation is building for what promises to be a significant milestone in the global recognition of Pakistani cinema. The LPFF is set to attract film enthusiasts, critics, and industry professionals from around the world, making it an event not to be missed.
Fahad is an entrepreneur and a marketing enthusiast who loves to write on trending topics. He loves travelling & playing tennis is what he does in his leisure time. He tweets @fahad164.
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