Ahead of the 2025 edition of the Islamabad International Film Festival, taking place on April 26 and 27 in Istanbul, Turkey, Founder and President Hassaan Imtiaz has announced a major milestone to mark the festival's rapid growth and success.
Launched by a 22-year-old industry outsider, IIFF has been hailed as the fastest-growing film festival in South Asia. For the Istanbul premiere, 1,000+ submissions were received from over 96 countries.
The total submission count is now over 2,200 for two festival seasons, with the event signing Pakistan's biggest stars as Brand Ambassadors: Ali Rehman Khan, Sarwat Gilani, Naema Butt, and Ally Khan.
Mr. Imtiaz stated about the event: "We've always believed that cinema is more than entertainment. It's a powerful force for empathy, awareness, and impact."
The upcoming event will bring together artists, filmmakers, and movie fans in a dynamic campaign for a range of local and global causes through screenings, interactive experiences, and direct community engagement.
The initiative's goal, the founder explained, is to channel the energy of the international film community toward creating a yearly event that will showcase youth pushing the envelope of the traditional form.
Beyond international film screenings and awards distribution, the IIFF hosts networking sessions for young artists to create new connections, all while attenting film workshops to help them hone their craft.
IIFF is funded and supported by Hevo Studios, a production company known for its award-winning indie films, such as “509” and “Zaki” by Hassaan Imtiaz.
Hassaan Imtiaz is an award-winning actor and filmmaker from Pakistan who entered the industry independently at the age of 19. He is known for “Asliyat,” “509,” and “Zaki,” and his films have won over 12 International Awards and 30+ International Recognitions worldwide.
The entire IIFF team points out how proud it is to become the first film festival in South Asia on this scale, led by such a young president. Everyone on board has gathered around the central goal of filling the cultural vacuum of international film festivals in Pakistan and South Asia to bridge film worldwide via talent and project exchange.
The US Times described Hasaan’s story as “a compelling narrative of overcoming adversity and celebrating the human spirit’s capacity for creativity.”
Looking ahead, IIFF is actively planning to expand into the Middle East and other neighboring countries in the upcoming years, further strengthening its mission to foster cultural diplomacy, creative collaboration, and impactful storytelling across regions.
“Pakistani cinema has peaks to touch, heights to climb, and stars to discover,” the team stated. “IIFF bridges the gap between national and international filmmakers, writers, and actors to create highly competitive and impactful films. With talent from over 12 nationalities collaborating, the festival stands as a global force driving the future of Pakistani and independent cinema.”
The festival has already made strong traction, collecting 2,200+ submissions across just two seasons, a testament to the growing enthusiasm and creative energy it inspires.
More information about the Islamabad International Film Festival is available on the official website and Instagram page.
Media Contact
Company Name: Islamabad International Film Festival
Contact Person: Hassaan Imtiaz
Email: Send Email
Country: Pakistan
Website: http://www.iiffofficial.com
