ISLAMABAD: Pakistan recorded a major breakthrough on the global cinema stage as an official national delegation attended the Red Sea International Film Festival 2025, accompanied by an officially represented Pakistani feature film.
The festival selected ‘Ghost School,’ a critically acclaimed social drama directed by Seemab Gul, for screening in its “Families & Children” category at Jeddah’s Culture Square.
“This selection is a proud moment for all of us,” Gul said in a statement released by the delegation. “Ghost School carries the voice of Pakistani children, and seeing it reach international audiences is deeply meaningful.”
The film follows 10-year-old Rabia as she unravels the sudden closure of her village school. It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025.
Pakistan's creative delegation takes center stage
Pakistan’s participation was formally announced by the Hive Works Foundation, which served as the official host. In a social media post, the organization wrote, “We are honored to represent Pakistan on a global platform and showcase our creative talent.”
Veteran actress Atiqa Odho, television host Tauseeq Haider, and filmmaker-actor Shahzad Nawaz led the delegation, receiving what organizers described as a “warm and enthusiastic welcome” at the event.
Odho said the moment symbolized Pakistan’s cultural momentum.
“Seeing our flag alongside those of more than 70 countries was emotional and empowering,” she noted. “It shows how far our industry has come.”
The fifth edition of the festival runs from December 4 to 13 in Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad district, drawing a star-studded lineup that includes Michael Caine, Vin Diesel, Jessica Alba, Uma Thurman, Adrien Brody, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Juliette Binoche.
Rising presence at Red Sea
Although ‘Ghost School’ marks Pakistan’s first official feature-film participation under national representation, Pakistani cinema has previously earned major attention at the festival.
In 2023, Zarrar Kahn’s ‘In Flames’ won the Golden Yusr for Best Feature Film.
“That victory proved that Pakistani storytelling resonates far beyond our borders,” Nawaz said while reflecting on the delegation’s expanding visibility.
Other Pakistani titles such as ‘Wakhri,’ ‘Solitia,’ and ‘Eid Mubarak’ have also appeared in previous editions, with prominent actors including Mahira Khan, Humayun Saeed, and Ahad Raza Mir representing the country on the red carpet.
The Red Sea Film Foundation has further supported Pakistani filmmakers through its Red Sea Fund, which has backed multiple projects that later became official Oscar submissions.
Haider described this year’s participation as “the beginning of a long-term cultural partnership,” adding, “This platform is opening doors for our filmmakers, and Pakistan is ready for its next cinematic chapter.”
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