Pakistan International Film Festival

پاکستان بین الاقوامی فلم فیسٹیول

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Arts & CultureKarachi
DatesDates TBACheck locally before booking
DurationAnnualEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsPIFF grew out of the Karachi Film Society, a
Language["ur"]Currency: PKR
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

Pakistan International Film Festival in Karachi

The Pakistan International Film Festival (PIFF) is an annual Karachi event founded by the Karachi Film Society in 2017 to showcase Pakistani and international feature films, documentaries and shorts. Its first edition ran from March 29 to April 1, 2018, and it has continued most years since, aiming to be the country's largest film festival and a platform connecting local filmmakers with global cinema.

When the Karachi Film Society staged the first Pakistan International Film Festival from March 29 to April 1, 2018, it was pursuing a specific goal: giving Pakistani cinema a dedicated international showcase rather than leaving that role to festivals abroad.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

PIFF grew out of the Karachi Film Society, a non-profit founded in 2017 by media executive Sultana Siddiqui to promote Pakistani cinema internationally

02

The mystery stays covered

Unlike festivals built primarily around red-carpet premieres, PIFF combines feature, documentary and short film screenings with workshops for aspiring filmmakers and a mobile screening initiative that brings selected films directly to neighborhoods across Karachi rather than only to festival venues

03

The city starts moving

Its first edition closed with an awards gala at the historic Frere Hall, tying the festival to one of Karachi's landmark colonial-era buildings

04

The water draws everyone in

Running annually since 2018 with a pause during the pandemic year of 2020, PIFF has positioned itself as an effort to build sustained international recognition for Pakistani filmmaking rather than a one-off showcase

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

PIFF draws on the broader tradition of national film festivals aimed at building an international audience for a country's cinema

Water and renewal

Living ritual

adapting that model locally through its mobile screening program and its founding tie to the Karachi Film Society's mission of international promotion for Pakistani filmmaking

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA

Getting around

For Pakistan International Film Festival, plan transport around the exact Karachi venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

Smart-casual attire suits most screenings and workshops, while the closing awards gala calls for more formal dress; Karachi's warm climate makes lightweight fabrics practical for daytime...

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

For Pakistan International Film Festival, stay near the part of Karachi you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

["ur"] · PKR

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map24.86 N, 67.01 EOpen in Google Maps

Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan

Nearest airportKHI — Jinnah
TransportFor Pakistan International Film Festival, plan transport around the exact Karachi venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor Pakistan International Film Festival, stay near the part of Karachi you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Karachi via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Karachi, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for festival season.Compare faresFestival gearSmart-casual attire suits most screenings and workshops, while the closing awards gala calls for more formal dress; Karachi's warm climate makes lightweight fabrics practical for daytime festival events.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Pakistan and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Pakistan International Film Festival?

Pakistan International Film Festival is listed for Dates to be announced. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Pakistan International Film Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Karachi, Pakistan. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Annual is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLpaktourismportal.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA
Source statusOfficial source linked
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