"We also celebrate the richness of South Asian culture"
Zafar Iqbal is the Festival Director behind the Pak Film Festival and for the 2026 edition, there is a three-city national cinema tour across the UK in August.
Organised by Kashmiri Productions UK CIC, the festival aims to create greater representation for communities whose experiences have often been underrepresented on screen.
The three-city tour will bring a curated selection of films to audiences in Rochdale, Birmingham, and Luton, alongside filmmaker Q&As, panel discussions, and conversations around identity and culture.
By taking the festival beyond traditional cultural hubs, Zafar and his team hope to connect with diverse audiences while providing opportunities for filmmakers and creative voices to be recognised.
DESIblitz is a proud partner of the event and in an interview, Zafar Iqbal discusses the inspiration behind the festival and its role in supporting Pakistani and Kashmiri representation.
A Platform for Pakistani and Kashmiri Stories
For Zafar Iqbal, the inspiration behind the Pak Film Festival comes from a desire to create greater visibility for Pakistani and Kashmiri voices in cinema.
The event was established to provide a space where communities could see their culture, heritage, and experiences represented authentically, while also supporting emerging talent behind and in front of the camera.
He explains: “Our vision is to create a platform where Pakistani and Kashmiri communities can see their culture, heritage, and stories authentically represented on screen.
“We provide opportunities for aspiring filmmakers and actors to develop projects of any scale, empowering them to pursue their creative ambitions.”
The festival has also expanded its reach by recognising the importance of collaboration between different communities and backgrounds, as Zafar says:
“We also celebrate the richness of South Asian culture by bringing together people from diverse and mixed communities.
“This year, we expanded our platform to welcome actors and filmmakers from mixed backgrounds, creating shared spaces where creatives can collaborate, exchange ideas, and build meaningful connections across communities.”
Celebrating Communities
Although the festival centres on Pakistani and Kashmiri heritage, its audience extends beyond these communities.
It is an inclusive environment where people of different ages, backgrounds, and experiences can engage with South Asian storytelling.
Zafar says: “We welcome attendees from a wide range of communities, reflecting our commitment to celebrating South Asian heritage and bringing people together through shared cultural experiences.
“We welcome men, women, children, and families of all backgrounds, creating an inclusive environment where everyone can connect and engage.
“While our audience is diverse, our primary focus remains on Pakistani and Kashmiri communities, whose voices, stories, and creative talent continue to be underrepresented.
“By prioritising these communities, we aim to increase representation, foster opportunities, and ensure their culture and heritage are celebrated on screen.”
Supporting the Growth of Pakistani Cinema
The Pak Film Festival arrives at a time when Pakistani cinema is experiencing renewed interest and greater international attention.
While the industry has faced challenges over the years, recent developments have highlighted its potential to grow further on a global scale.
Zafar explains: “The Pakistani film industry is steadily reclaiming its place on the global stage.
“While progress has been gradual, recent developments are encouraging.”
“Last month, the Government of Pakistan announced new investment in film production, signalling a renewed commitment to supporting the growth of the industry and its creative talent.”
Believing increased investment and international recognition demonstrate a positive shift for Pakistani filmmaking, Zafar continues:
“Over the past decade, several Pakistani films have achieved international recognition and theatrical releases, including The Legend of Maula Jatt and Jawani Phir Nahi Ani.
“These successes demonstrate the growing quality, ambition, and global appeal of Pakistani cinema, reflecting an industry that is moving in a positive direction and continuing to build momentum.”
Through showcasing films connected to Pakistani and Kashmiri communities, the festival also plays a role in highlighting the range of stories being created within the industry and giving audiences in the UK greater access to this work.
Creating Opportunities for Filmmakers and Audiences
The selection process behind the festival is designed to ensure the programme reflects its focus on cultural authenticity while maintaining strong filmmaking standards.
Filmmakers are encouraged to submit work through social media campaigns and targeted outreach, particularly those with Pakistani and Kashmiri heritage.
Zafar Iqbal says: “We promote the festival through our social media campaigns and targeted calls for submissions, with a particular focus on reaching filmmakers of Pakistani and Kashmiri heritage.
“Our aim is to encourage authentic storytelling and provide a platform for voices that are often underrepresented within the film industry.
“The festival has a strong community-led ethos, fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for filmmakers, audiences, and creative practitioners.
“As we grow, our ambition is to develop the festival into a larger, multi-day event featuring touring screenings, industry workshops, panel discussions, and appearances from filmmakers, actors, and other creative professionals.”
Zafar explained that the festival’s impact can already be seen through its growing presence across the UK.
He elaborates:
“The festival has already had a significant impact on Pakistani and Kashmiri communities across the UK.”
“Audiences in Rochdale, Bradford, Bolton, Birmingham, and Luton have responded with great pride and emotion, expressing how meaningful it is to see their culture, heritage, and homeland represented on the big screen with authenticity, care, and respect.
“By creating space for these stories, the festival strengthens cultural identity, fosters a sense of belonging, and celebrates communities whose voices have historically been underrepresented in mainstream film.
“The positive response from audiences demonstrates the importance of providing platforms that reflect the diversity and richness of Pakistani and Kashmiri experiences.”
Now in its fifth edition, the Pak Film Festival reflects the demand for more opportunities to celebrate Pakistani and Kashmiri storytelling across the UK.
Following previous screenings that have received strong responses from communities across England, the latest national tour is visiting three cities in August 2026.
- August 3 – Reel Cinema, Rochdale at 5:30 pm
- August 10 – Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham at 6:30 pm
- August 17 – Cineworld Cinema, Luton at 6:30 pm
Tickets are free, with audiences encouraged to make donations towards KORT Hospital through the festival’s dedicated donation page.
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