The premiere of the first-ever European Film Festival (EUFF) was held at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) Islamabad on 8 December 2021.  The ongoing European Film Festival will showcase a range of European films to a broad Pakistani audience to build cultural dialogue and mutual understanding.  First time in Pakistan, the European film festival takes place globally to celebrate the diversity and creativity of European cinema, heritage, and culture.  The Islamabad event brought together students, civil society members, government officials, actors, filmmakers, media representatives and diplomats.

Addressing the event, Mr Thomas Seiler, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. and the Deputy Head of the Mission at the EU Delegation to Pakistan said, "We are excited to be hosting the first-ever European Film Festival in Pakistan. This celebration of cultural diversity and cross-cultural dialogue through cinema highlights the EU’s firm commitment to strengthening its relationship with Pakistan, particularly at the people and local community levels. Film is a gateway to other cultures, which is why we have called it ‘Europe ki aik Jhalak’. It is an amazing medium that connects people across borders, faiths and ethnicities and celebrate our common humanity."

Three films – all co-productions – were screened on the opening night. These include two feature films – My Brother Chases Dinosaurs (Italy/Spain) and Our Struggle (Belgium/France) – and one short film Hungry Seagull (Switzerland/China) The screening was followed by a panel discussion on “Family Relations” with distinguished guests from the Pakistani film and TV fraternity including Sarmad Khoosat, Sania Saeed, Anam Abbas, Haris Khalique alongside Elena Gómez Aoiz, Deputy Head of Mission Embassy of Spain.

The film festival will feature 21 award-winning European films on various issues highlighting cultural diversity in Europe and their relevance for the audience in Pakistan. The festival also includes trainings for young Pakistani students to learn some of the more technical aspects of filmmaking from experienced filmmakers. The two award winning filmmakers conducting the classes are Haya Fatima and Umar Riaz. Qualified participants can sign up for the classes on a first come first basis.

After Islamabad, the festival will move to other cities in Pakistan, including Faisalabad, Peshawar and Karachi before concluding in Lahore on 12 December.  The screenings, which are open to the public, will be held at various venues including Storia Art Gallery in Faislabad, Sethiyan Di Haveli in Peshawar, District 19 in Karachi and Olo Junction in Lahore.  Details of the festival and screenings will remain available EUD Facebook page under ‘European Film Festival - Pakistan 2021’ https://fb.me/e/27H3XxDmn (link is external)