Karachi, September, 2025: The Department of Communication Design at the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture (IVS) successfully concluded its much-anticipated three-day Film Festival, held from 12th to 14th September, celebrating the creativity, talent, and vision of Pakistan’s next generation of filmmakers.
The festival featured 37 short films across multiple genres, with documentaries and animations introduced as categories for the first time. Screenings, workshops, and panel discussions provided a vibrant space for learning, collaboration, and creative exchange.
The opening ceremony on 12th September was followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion “Social Media Filmmakers: From the Silver Screen to Digital Screens”featuring Ali Gul Pir, Asad ul Haq, Patangeer, and Azaan Sami Khan, moderated by Pheby Haroon. Day two brought immersive screenings and the session “Let’s Talk AI: Reimagining Film and Advertising Production” by Stimulus Productions. The festival closed on 14th September with screenings and a panel discussion “Educating Through the Lens: Integrating Films Into Learning” featuring Atiya Zaidi, Saife Hasan, Gul Zaib Shakeel, and Farooq Rind.
Six intensive workshops also ran over the weekend, led by mentors including Marium Ali, SOC Films, Rawaz Hammas, Stephan Andrew, Adnan Syed, Rashna Siddiqa Abidi, Khurram Khan, and Uneed Faridy—giving participants practical skills and insights into the evolving world of filmmaking.
Outstanding works were recognized with awards and cash prizes across categories such as Best Film, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Direction, Best Editing, Best Sound Design, Best Production Design, Best Animation, and Best Documentary. Additional awards were presented under the Youth Film and Idea-to-Screen Bootcamp categories.
Alfiya Halai, Head of the Communication Design Department at IVS, said:
“The IVS Film Festival goes beyond screenings—it is a space where young filmmakers gain confidence, connect with industry professionals, and find their voice as storytellers. Each year, it grows stronger as a bridge between education and practice, reaffirming cinema’s role as a catalyst for change.”
The IVS Film Festival reaffirmed its role as a platform for aspiring filmmakers to connect with industry leaders, educators, and audiences, while promoting fresh perspectives and innovative storytelling in Pakistan’s growing film landscape.
