Latest news with #WIFF
Arab News
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Women from Pakistan, Middle East showcase powerful themes at international film festival in Islamabad
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani women filmmakers, along with their colleagues from Egypt, Lebanon, and other countries, this week showcased short films focusing on powerful themes such as grief, resistance, and patriarchal oppression at the ninth edition of the Women International Film Festival (WIFF) in Islamabad. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ Organized by the Women Through Film community organization that aims to empower women filmmakers by promoting their art, the ninth edition of the festival was hosted at the Islamabad Community Library at the capital city's I-8 sector on Saturday night. The open-air event showcased 11 short films from filmmakers hailing from eight countries, namely Pakistan, Canada, Spain, Iran, Lebanon, Egypt, Sweden, and France. Three of the films were Pakistani productions while the rest were helmed by international filmmakers. Each film explored profound themes of grief, resistance and patriarchal oppression. 'This was a dream more than a plan— to encourage women to tell their stories,' Madeeha Raza, WIFF's curator, told Arab News. 'We try to prioritize locally made films, and I am glad we have three Pakistani films this year. The films from Iran and Lebanon touched upon resistance and war and how that affects the lives of normal people,' she said. 'I could resonate with that a lot, which made me choose them.' The festival also featured panel discussions on filmmaking and the role of women in it. Anya Raza, whose film about an Afghan teacher dealing with the horrors of conflict, was one of the highlights of the festival. Alongside her on a panel discussion were filmmakers Marya Javad and Nargis Muneeb, co-founder of the Islamabad Film Society. The conversation delved into the power of storytelling to challenge narratives and provide a voice to marginalized communities. 'This platform was created to give women a space to make films and submit them,' Raza explained. 'The stories seen as controversial need to be shown more because they break the status quo. They shatter the concept of normalcy and allow people to take meaningful lessons.' For Ayesha Siddiqa, a 25-year-old marketing professional, WIFF was an 'eye-opener.' The Egyptian film 'If The Cat Is Gone,' which explored the complexities of friendship and societal judgments, stood out for Siddiqa the most. 'It was a simple story, but it was so relatable,' she told Arab News. 'The way it showcased stereotypes we face every day was impressive.' 'CREATING A COMMUNITY' The event also offered a valuable networking opportunity for filmmakers. Jawad Sharif, a seasoned award-winning filmmaker, said festivals such as the WIFF are essential for the creative community. 'Such events motivate artists. In a society where stories of grief and struggle are often ignored, festivals like this ensure they are heard,' he said. 'It's not just about watching films, it's about creating a community.' Waghma Feroz, a documentary filmmaker from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, said events such as WIFF are crucial for women to highlight their issues. 'If women create films, they often focus on women's issues or human rights, which are rarely highlighted in mainstream media,' she pointed out. 'Events like WIFF allow these stories to be told.' Raza, whose film 'On the Mountain' touched upon the struggles of Afghan refugees, agreed. 'Stories about refugees and the human cost of conflict are rarely given space,' she said. 'But they need to be told, and festivals like this ensure they reach the audience.' Due to limited sponsorship this year, the festival was reduced to a three-hour event, which was far shorter than its previous editions. Despite the challenges, Raza remained optimistic about the future. 'We've had highs and lows. Some editions were very well-supported,' she noted. 'This time we couldn't garner much support and had to rely on partners. But next year will be our tenth edition, and we hope to make it grand,' she added.
CBC
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
WIFF's outdoor movie screenings to be held mid-June on aquatic centre's front lawn
Social Sharing The Windsor International Film Festival (WIFF) has announced details of its annual Under the Stars outdoor movie screenings. Organizers will hold the event on the front lawn of the city's aquatic centre, near the riverfront. Initially, this was a response to being unable to hold the main festival in 2020 and 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, it will run from June 13 until June 15. "Through continued support from our patrons, community, and partners, we are thrilled to once again be hosting free outdoor screenings at WIFF Under the Stars — the perfect way to celebrate the summer season and great film," said Vincent Georgie, executive director and chief programmer for the festival.
CTV News
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
WIFF highlighting women in summer programming
Signage for WIFF's summer programming seen in Windsor, Ont. on May 16, 2025. (Stefanie Masotti/CTV News Windsor) The Windsor International Film Festival (WIFF) will honour and celebrate women with a weekend of screenings in June, expanding its Women of WIFF program. From June 21 to June 22, films of women and made by women will be showcased. Those will feature Picture A Scientist, Samia, Breakaway Femmes, Sally!, We Lend a Hand, and Mamma Mia!. If you would like to partake in Women of WIFF, tickets are available now. In addition, WIFF Under the Stars will run from June 13 to June 15. 'Through continued support from our patrons, community, and partners, we are thrilled to once again be hosting free outdoor screenings at WIFF Under the Stars, the perfect way to celebrate the summer season and great film,' said Vincent Georgie, executive director and chief programmer for WIFF. 'We are also thrilled to expand our Women of WIFF programming and to highlight a great selection of films outside of the festival. We can't wait to celebrate with our patrons at WIFF Under the Stars and the Women of WIFF event next month.' WIFF Summer programming May 2025 Signage for WIFF's summer programming seen in Windsor, Ont. on May 16, 2025. (Stefanie Masotti/CTV News Windsor) WIFF Under the Stars will take place in downtown Windsor at a green space outside of the Windsor Aquatic Centre and Art Windsor Essex. Family classics, blockbuster hits, and festival favourites will be shown. More information is available on WIFF's website.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
International women's film festival to be held in Kottarakkara from May 23 to 25
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, on behalf of the department of culture, will organise the sixth International Women's Film Festival (WIFF) in Kottarakkara from May 23 to 25. Delegate registration will begin at 11am on Friday. Registration can be done through the website The delegate fee is Rs 472 for the general category and Rs 236 for students, including GST. Offline registration will be available from May 18 at the organising committee office starting in Chanthamukku, Kottarakkara. The screenings will be held across two screens at the Kottarakkara Minerva Theatre, showcasing around 25 films, including feature films and documentaries by female directors. The movies will be categorised into world cinema, Indian cinema, and Malayalam cinema. Films by female directors that were well-received at the 29th IFFK will also be featured. The film festival is organised as part of the comprehensive Kottarakkara initiative launched by finance minister K N Balagopal. The festival will include open forums and cultural programmes.
The Hindu
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Kottarakara to host Women's International Film Festival from May 23
The sixth edition of the Women's International Film Festival (WIFF) will be held at Kottarakara in Kollam from May 23 to 25, showcasing a curated selection of films by women. Organised by the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy under the Department of Culture, the three-day festival aims at celebrating women's voices through feature films and documentaries featuring multiple genres and geographies. Around 25 films will be screened at Minerva cinema in Kottarakara. The line-up includes works in segments such as World Cinema, Indian Cinema, and Malayalam Cinema. The festival will also feature entries by women filmmakers who garnered attention at the 29th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK). Apart from film screenings, the festival will also host open forums and cultural programmes. Delegate registration opens online at 11 a.m. on May 16 via The delegate fee, including GST, is ₹472 for general viewers and ₹236 for students. Offline registration will be available at the festival organising committee office at Chanthamukku, Kottarakara, from May 18. To encourage wider participation, accommodation for delegates travelling from other regions will be available at the Kerala Institute of Local Administration, Kottarakara. For details, call 94961 50327. The festival is part of the 'Comprehensive Kottarakara' initiative launched by Minister for Finance K.N. Balagopal.
