The 4th instalment of the award-winning PAK Film Festival is back with fully loaded heritage and cultural vibes for your entertainment
Zafar Iqbal, festival director said “We are super excited to the 4th instalment as it will feature engag-ing, educational and entertaining productions for all communities not just for Pakistani or Kashmiri communities. First three instalments attracted attendees from all over the UK to Rochdale so based on the demand for the very first time we are taking the festival on a national cinema tour to put Rochdale, Pakistani and Kashmiri heritage on the map. We are also thrilled about raising awareness of our culture during Rochdale’s year as a Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025/26.
The teams have worked so hard to create engaging visual awareness for Pakistani and Kashmiri herit-age and for community cohesion.
The purpose of this year’s festival is to inspire new generation and entertain first migrated generation through sharing their lived experience on the big screen.
The festival and productions were supported by Rochdale council, Rochdale Creates, Action Together and Cartwheel Arts.
We are very grateful to the cinemas, funders, supporters, media, volunteers, artists and participants.”
Sonia Khan, actress and tiktoker said “I am very happy to be part of the team again. Everyone has worked very hard to put this together. We are looking forward to take the festival on a national tour to entertain, raise awareness and meet the people.
To celebrate this magnificent landmark occasion therefore the festival is free to attend so to book your free ticket just email; mrzi@hotmail.co.uk and send over your name and contact number and we’ll send your confirmation, first come, first served.”
Mehmood Sultan, actor said “It’s great to be part of a project that will engage different communities towards Pakistani or Kashmiri heritage. I have lived here for most of my life and to see the new gener-ation taking keen interest to keep our heritage alive through film production therefore I could not miss this golden opportunity to do my bit for the legacy.”
Kashif Khan, tiktoker and nasheed artist said “I got a call from Kashmiri Productions showing interest in my Kalaam/songs for one of their projects and then I ended up doing one of their short films too. I agreed to everything as I saw the passion they have to keep our heritage alive through movies.”
Tehseen Jawaid aka Nana G said “Following the submission of my short film Zafar from Kashmiri pro-ductions called me and said your submission didn’t make it to the selection. I was almost about to get emotional but then he said congratulations your submission has been successful. I am very grate-ful to Kashmiri Productions and I look forward to see Nana G being part of the festival, the audience will enjoy seeing different side of Nana G.”
Rafique Butt, actor said “My passion for highlighting community issues is greater than acting as that matters the most. I am very grateful for the opportunity and for the call to be part of a legacy that will leave foot print for the future generations. Being part of a production where it gives you the chance to share your lived experience is priceless.”
