LPFF’s first edition was a resounding success.
The London Pakistani Film Festival will return for its second edition on October 11 and 12, 2025, at Rich Mix Cinema.
The event celebrates Pakistani and South Asian cinema while promoting dialogue, diversity, and cultural understanding between the United Kingdom and Pakistan.
This year’s edition will feature four full-length films and two short films, as well as panels and filmmaker Q&A sessions.
Headlining the festival is Indus Echoes, Pakistan’s first Sindhi-language film in 28 years, directed by Rahul Aijaz.
The film tells interwoven stories of people living along the Indus River and their deep emotional connection to the land.
It runs for 72 minutes, holds an IMDb rating of 8.2, and has been praised for its poetic storytelling.
Another major selection is Chikkar, a crime drama by Zaheer Uddin Ahmed that explores morality within law enforcement.
The story follows police officer Sarmad Zaman, played by Usman Mukhtar, as his professional duty clashes with personal sacrifice.
The film is rated 8.4 on IMDb and runs for 168 minutes, offering a dark reflection on corruption and conscience.
Adding a touch of fantasy, Umro Ayyar: A New Beginning by Azfar Jafri brings Pakistani sci-fi to the international stage.
Inspired by the Persian epic Hamzanama, it follows a physicist who discovers his mystical ancestry and enters a mythical realm.
The 135-minute film, rated 6.9 on IMDb, merges ancient legend with quantum science in a visually striking narrative.
Peter Takla’s 40 Days, though directed by an Egyptian-American filmmaker, echoes Pakistani experiences of migration and displacement.
The ninety-minute film, rated an impressive 9.3 on IMDb, follows a couple risking everything to reach the United States.
Two short films will also be screened: Saba Karim Khan’s W.R.A.P. and Aneesa Khan’s Criteria Kya Hai?.
W.R.A.P. follows three underground rappers from Karachi’s Gizri area who work by day and create music by night.
Criteria Kya Hai? tells the story of a Pakistani-American woman who uses magical glasses to reassess love and happiness.
This year’s lineup offers a vibrant mix of genres and voices, showcasing the evolving creativity of South Asian cinema.
The LPFF’s first edition was a resounding success, earning praise for its strong curation and vibrant cinematic showcase.
This year’s festival jury will have returning members from the 2024 edition.
This includes Hameed Sheikh, Raaj Rahhi, Mehnaz Alavi Diwan, and Qais Quraishi, among others.
New additions Shahrook Oomer, Adam Richards, and Arif Zaffar Munsuri will join this year, with Aliee Shaikh as brand ambassador.
Founded by Assad Khan with Mansur Ali, Shoaib Qureshi, and Kamran Jawaid, the festival continues under Positive Action Through Creativity.
Supported by Moringa Entertainment and Anthem Films, the London Pakistani Film Festival strengthens Pakistan’s global cinematic voice.
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