Women’s Stories Shine at 9th Women International Film Festival in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD – Against the backdrop of an open-air library setting, the 9th Women International Film Festival (WIFF) brought together women filmmakers from across the world to share powerful stories rooted in themes of grief, resistance, and patriarchal oppression. The event, held on May 17 at the Islamabad Community Library in Sector I-8, was organized by Women Through Film, a platform aimed at empowering women through storytelling.

This year’s festival featured 11 short films from eight countries — including Pakistan, Iran, Lebanon, Spain, Egypt, France, Sweden, and Canada. Three of the entries were Pakistani productions, showcasing local talent alongside global voices.

“We always dreamt of creating a space where women could tell their own stories,” said Madeeha Raza, curator of WIFF. “This year, the films from Iran and Lebanon especially resonated with me because of how they addressed war and resistance from a human perspective.”

Each film delved into deeply personal and societal struggles — whether it was the impact of conflict, everyday gender dynamics, or breaking cultural stereotypes. The festival wasn’t just about films; it also sparked conversations. A panel featuring filmmakers Anya Raza, Marya Javad, and Nargis Muneeb explored how women are reshaping narratives and using film as a tool for social change.

Raza’s film, which portrayed the trauma of an Afghan teacher living through conflict, was one of the standout screenings. “These stories might be uncomfortable for some, but that’s exactly why they need to be told,” she emphasized. “They question what’s considered normal and bring forward truths often buried.”

The festival left a strong impression on attendees. Ayesha Siddiqa, a 25-year-old from Islamabad, shared how the Egyptian short film “If The Cat Is Gone” moved her. “It was simple but powerful. It showed how we judge each other based on stereotypes we barely even notice anymore.”

Beyond the films, WIFF 2025 became a hub for networking and community-building. Veteran filmmaker Jawad Sharif stressed the importance of such events in supporting creative voices. “In a world where stories of pain are often sidelined, WIFF creates a stage for those unheard narratives to rise.”

Documentary filmmaker Waghma Feroz echoed the sentiment: “When women tell stories, they often focus on human rights — stories that mainstream platforms overlook. WIFF brings them forward.”

While this year’s festival was shorter due to limited sponsorship — lasting only three hours — the energy and purpose remained strong. “We’ve seen good years and hard ones,” Raza admitted. “But we’re committed. Next year will mark WIFF’s tenth edition, and we plan to make it our biggest yet.”

From celebrating voices of resistance to fostering new communities, WIFF 2025 wasn’t just a film festival — it was a call for change through the lens of women.