5th European Film Festival Returns to Pakistan with Stories, Culture and Connection

The 5th European Film Festival (EUFF) is returning to Pakistan this weekend, with events scheduled across Islamabad, Sialkot and Jamshoro/Hyderabad.

Presented by the European Union and curated by Olomopolo Media, the festival will bring audiences together through European and Pakistani cinema, live performances, interactive experiences and cultural exchange.

European and Pakistani Films Featured

The festival will feature European feature films, documentaries and experimental shorts. It will also present a curated selection of Pakistani short films.

The programme will include live performances, a children’s segment, interactive installations and an industry session for filmmakers.

The European Film Festival was first held in Pakistan in 2021. Since then, the travelling festival has visited Gilgit, Quetta, Peshawar, Gujrat, Faisalabad, Multan, Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad.

The festival focuses on cultural exchange and dialogue through cinema.

Islamabad Hosts Opening Events

The 2026 edition will take place in Islamabad on September 12 and 13 at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA).

Alongside film screenings, the Islamabad programme will feature a Stand-up Comedy & Improv Showcase.

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A Children’s Segment will also be held, featuring a family-friendly European film followed by a storytelling and music session.

Festival Moves to Sialkot and Hyderabad

Following Islamabad, the festival will travel to Sialkot on September 16 and 17.

Events in Sialkot will take place at Government College Women University and GRID by BLCK.

The festival will conclude in Jamshoro/Hyderabad on September 29 and 30 at SABS University of Art, Design & Heritages. A live musical performance will be part of the closing programme.

Interactive Experiences Add New Dimension

Immersive experiences will form an integral part of this year’s festival.

Installations will include EUFF-Pakistan Express, a train installation, the Wall of Fame and the Human Slot Game.

Audiences will also have access to a Reading Nook and Kids’ Corner.

This year’s programme will further introduce the Filmmakers’ Mixer, a new Industry Program session designed to create opportunities for interaction within the film community.

Festival Targets Young Audiences and Film Community

The festival is aimed at young audiences, families, members of the film fraternity, film enthusiasts and diplomats.

Its objectives include expanding cinematic experiences and conversations while using cinema as a means of connecting cultures.

The festival also seeks to create spaces for collective activities, interaction and cultural engagement between European and Pakistani audiences.