Islamabad is gearing up for a weekend of world-class storytelling as the European Film Festival 2025 lands at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) on November 7 and 8. The free-entry event, organized by the European Union Delegation to Pakistan, promises a rich mix of films from across Europe — from moving dramas to thought-provoking documentaries and heartwarming family tales.
The two-day festival aims to celebrate cultural exchange and artistic collaboration through cinema, featuring titles from Ireland, Spain, Finland, Belgium, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Germany, and France. Each screening offers a glimpse into European life and values while exploring universal human experiences — love, resilience, community, and identity.
Day One: Friday, Nov 7
The festival opens with Behind the Curtain of High Mountains (Czech Republic) at 4 p.m., a documentary following legendary mountaineer Dina Štěrbová as she retraces her climbs and reflects on her pioneering spirit.
Later, at 6 p.m., audiences can catch Without Air (Hungary), a powerful drama about a teacher confronting media and societal backlash after standing up for her beliefs — a story that feels particularly timely in today’s digital world.
Day Two: Saturday, Nov 8
The second day kicks off at 11 a.m. with Itty Bitty Princess (Finland), a lighthearted family film about a young girl’s adventure that promises laughter for kids and nostalgia for parents.
A special short film block follows at 1 p.m., spotlighting works from Germany, France, and Croatia — including Don’t Worry, Thermostat 6, Geo Engineering, So Many Forests, and A Sunny Day. These shorts, ranging from environmental reflections to social satire, showcase Europe’s vibrant independent film scene.
At 2 p.m., Ireland’s That They May Face the Rising Sun takes the audience on a poetic journey of a couple who move from London to rural Ireland, exploring themes of belonging and renewal.
Then, Belgium’s My Dad is a Sausage screens at 4 p.m. — a warm, funny story about a father-daughter bond tested when the dad quits his job to follow his dreams.
Finally, the festival closes with Spain’s The Olive Tree at 6 p.m., a heartfelt drama about a young woman’s quest to reclaim her family’s ancient olive tree — and, symbolically, her roots.
Cinema as a bridge
This year’s European Film Festival isn’t just about films — it’s about connection. By bringing diverse European stories to Pakistani audiences, the event fosters understanding beyond borders. As one EU representative noted at the festival’s launch, “Cinema helps us see the world through each other’s eyes — and that’s where real dialogue begins.”
The Islamabad leg will be followed by screenings in Karachi and Lahore, continuing the celebration of storytelling across Pakistan.
Entry to all shows is free, and no registration is required — so movie lovers can simply walk in, grab a seat, and enjoy a weekend of European cinema right in the heart of Islamabad.
