IVS Film Festival showcases new voices in Pakistan’s cinema

Culture Reporter

Karachi: The Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture (IVS) wrapped up its annual three-day Film Festival on September 14, featuring 37 short films and a series of panel discussions, workshops, and awards celebrating emerging talent in Pakistan’s film industry.

The festival, organised by the Department of Communication Design, introduced documentaries and animations as categories for the first time. Screenings were complemented by six workshops on cinematography, editing, and production, led by mentors from SOC Films, Stimulus Productions, and other industry professionals.

A panel on the opening day, “Social Media Filmmakers: From the Silver Screen to Digital Screens,” brought together Ali Gul Pir, Asad ul Haq, Patangeer, and Azaan Sami Khan. Later sessions included “Let’s Talk AI: Reimagining Film and Advertising Production” and “Educating Through the Lens: Integrating Films Into Learning.”

Awards were presented in categories including Best Film, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Animation, and Best Documentary, along with prizes for youth-led and bootcamp projects.

Alfiya Halai, Head of the Communication Design Department at IVS, said the festival was designed to give students and young filmmakers both exposure and confidence. “Each year, it grows stronger as a bridge between education and practice, reaffirming cinema’s role as a catalyst for change,” she noted.

With its mix of screenings, discussions, and industry engagement, the IVS Film Festival underscored the growing appetite for fresh perspectives and storytelling in Pakistan’s evolving film landscape.