Three Pakistani homegrown films have made a mark at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA), each securing honourable mentions in their respective categories.
The achievement is notable not just for the recognition itself, but for the diversity of narratives Pakistan brought to the international stage - spanning dark satire, social realism, and deeply personal storytelling.
Among the standout entries was Lali, directed by Sarmad Khoosat. The film, a dark comedy layered with psychological undertones, follows Zeba, played by Mamya Shajaffar, as she steps into a marriage shadowed by unsettling rumours. Her husband, Sajawal, portrayed by Channan Hanif, brings his own insecurities into the relationship, creating a volatile dynamic that gradually spirals. Beneath its dark humour, Lali dissects themes of fear, shame, and the quiet violence that often simmers within intimate relationships.
The film had already drawn attention earlier this year when it premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival, marking a milestone as a project created entirely by a Pakistani cast and crew.
Equally compelling was Ghost School, helmed by Seemab Gul. Rooted in the stark realities of rural Pakistan, the film tells the story of Rabia, a determined 10-year-old navigating a maze of superstition and silence to uncover why her school was abruptly shut down. The film is a mystery and a social commentary touching on neglected infrastructure, buried truths, and the quiet resilience of a child unwilling to accept easy answers.
Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), the film stood out as a woman-led narrative shaped by a female filmmaker. Gul described it as a character-driven piece, where the story naturally emerges from the emotional core of its protagonist.
Rounding out the trio was Permanent Guest, a short film by Sana Jafri that delves into the long shadows cast by childhood trauma within South Asian households. Set in Lahore, the story follows Fatin as she grapples with the unexpected arrival of her uncle, a presence that stirs buried discomfort and unresolved memories. As family expectations clash with personal boundaries, the narrative unfolds with a quiet intensity, exploring themes often left unspoken.
The film shares creative ties with Khoosat’s earlier work Joyland, with Jafri having served as a producer on the project. Actress Rasti Farooq, who appears in Permanent Guest, also connects these cinematic threads, having featured in both Lali and Joyland.
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