WIFF X kicks off in Lahore with record-breaking attendance

The 10th edition of the Women International Film Festival (WIFF X) kicked off in Lahore with a bang, drawing an unprecedented turnout of filmmakers, students, artists, and cinema enthusiasts. The two-day festival, hosted at the Olympolo Theater Head Office from February 14 to 15, showcased nine films on its opening day as part of this year’s edition that features a total of 23 selections.

Hosted concurrently in Islamabad for the past ten years, WIFF X is now setting new benchmarks with its growing reach and impact. Organizers highlighted the festival’s significance as a platform to engage with independent cinema and contemporary art practices within Lahore’s vibrant arts community.

Produced by Bilqul, a production house led by British-Pakistani filmmaker Annusheh Rahim, who was present at the opening day events, WIFF X aims to amplify women’s voices in cinema. “Bringing the festival to Lahore is vital for its cultural significance and strong artist communities,” Rahim stated.

The highlight of this year’s edition includes a dialogue session with Zenith Irfan, Pakistan’s first woman motorcycle traveler whose film ‘Motorcycle Girl’ explores social norms through storytelling. Also featured are films by women directors from across the globe, including Iran, South Korea, Australia, Turkey, Germany, Kyrgyzstan, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, and Taiwan.

Films vary in length from five to twenty-five minutes, examining themes such as identity, resilience, social pressures, personal freedom, and cultural realities. The festival also features filmmaker question-and-answer sessions and panel discussions on women’s representation in cinema and challenges faced by female directors in conservative and male-dominated industries.

In a unique addition, Manal Amer Khan’s dance performance complemented the event, while food stalls and a creatives’ networking mixer enhanced its cultural appeal. Attendees praised WIFF X as both inspiring and educational, with Wardah Ahmad, a university student attending screenings, emphasizing how these films underscore women’s stories’ importance.

Bilqul Productions is producing this year’s Lahore edition of WIFF X, which has already garnered strong initial support from attendees and participants alike. Organizers believe the festival will strengthen Pakistan’s independent film culture by connecting emerging filmmakers with established professionals and audiences.

WIFF X’s presence in Lahore signifies a significant addition to the city’s cultural calendar and underscores its commitment to promoting inclusive storytelling within Pakistan’s burgeoning film industry.