Canadian film fest welcomes strong Pakistani lineup

Pakistani cinema is taking a prominent place on the international stage as the Mosaic International South Asian Film Festival (MISAFF) opens its 11th edition on Monday (tomorrow).

Running from November 24 to 30, the festival presents a carefully curated selection of Pakistani films, including an international premiere, a historic regional feature, and a critically acclaimed short, highlighting the diversity, ambition, and growing influence of Pakistan's storytellers.

The festival, held at multiple venues across Mississauga, offers filmmakers a platform to engage with audiences and industry professionals across North America. At the centre of Pakistan's showcase is the teleplay 'Gidh' (Vulture).

Written and directed by Kanwal Khoosat and produced by Sarmad Khoosat, the film premieres on the festival's opening day, signalling the confidence of MISAFF organisers in the teleplay's artistic merit and international appeal.

'Gidh' explores a tense, introspective narrative following a married woman, played by Rasti Farooq, who receives an unexpected visitor, portrayed by Sana Jafri. Over the course of slow, charged conversations, secrets gradually surface, revealing the psychological and emotional pressures the characters carry.

Complementing this teleplay is the short film 'Permanent Guest' (Mustaqil Mehmaan), also written and directed by Sana Jafri. Set in Lahore, the film examines the long-lasting effects of childhood sexual abuse within South Asian households.

Featuring performances by Rasti Farooq, Nadia Afgan, and Salman Shahid, it presents the nuanced conflict between older generations, who often normalise silence, and younger women, who carry the burden of trauma.

'Permanent Guest' has previously screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, marking a notable milestone for Pakistan's independent cinema. The project's full crowd-funding underscores the resilience of the country's independent filmmaking community and the growing demand for authentic, socially aware storytelling.

Adding significant cultural and historical depth is 'Indus Echoes', directed by Rahul Aijaz. The Sindhi-language feature is the first of its kind in 28 years, highlighting a region and language often underrepresented in mainstream cinema.

Shot in stark black and white with minimal dialogue and no background music, the film interweaves five stories of farmers, poets, and fishermen, exploring humanity's complex relationship with the Indus River.

Its narrative blends meditative visuals and rich cultural history, providing international audiences with a rare glimpse into Sindhi traditions and environmental challenges.

The film's screening at MISAFF represents a key opportunity for regional cinema to gain recognition beyond Pakistan.

MISAFF 2025 takes place at several locations, including the Living Arts Centre and the Noel Ryan Theatre at the Central Library. Beyond screenings, the festival features a two-day symposium on November 27 and 28, aimed at connecting emerging filmmakers with established professionals.

The sessions cover topics ranging from film financing and distribution to television series creation, creating opportunities for Pakistani filmmakers to engage with the wider South Asian and international film community.

The Pakistani lineup at MISAFF 2025 reflects both the quality and thematic ambition of contemporary cinema in the country. By presenting a psychological thriller, a socially conscious short, and a culturally significant regional feature, the films collectively demonstrate the thematic breadth and narrative courage of modern Pakistani storytelling.

Their presence at MISAFF enables these voices to resonate with North American audiences and the global South Asian diaspora, expanding the reach of Pakistani cinema while highlighting its capacity to address complex social, cultural, and environmental themes.

For Pakistani filmmakers, MISAFF represents more than just an exhibition space. It is a platform for dialogue, cultural exchange, and international recognition, offering a bridge between local talent and global audiences.

The festival allows films like 'Gidh', 'Permanent Guest', and 'Indus Echoes' to be seen in a context that values both storytelling craft and cultural authenticity, positioning Pakistan as a serious cinematic force in international film circuits.

Through its strong representation at MISAFF 2025, Pakistan has showcased how its cinema can balance entertainment, cultural reflection, and social commentary.

From introspective teleplays to regionally rooted features and socially conscious shorts, these films highlight the evolving narrative sophistication of the country's filmmakers and promise to secure a lasting place for Pakistani cinema on the global stage.