As autumn deepens over London, the city is preparing for a weekend of cinematic celebration and cultural exchange. The London Pakistani Film Festival (LPFF) returns for its second edition, running from 11 to 13 October 2025, with organisers promising an expanded, richer programme that highlights Pakistan’s regional voices and global reach.
Set to be held at Rich Mix Cinema, one of London’s premier arts venues, the festival is positioning itself as a permanent fixture on the UK’s cultural calendar, aiming to bridge Pakistani cinema with the diaspora and international audiences.
Highlights
- Second edition of the London Pakistani Film Festival (LPFF) runs from 11–13 October 2025.
- Rich Mix Cinema named as a main venue, strengthening LPFF’s cultural footprint.
- Festival lineup blends tradition, myth, modernity and diaspora narratives.
- Sindhi-language milestone “Indus Echoes” headlines a diverse programme.
- LPFF aims to connect diaspora audiences with Pakistani filmmakers and stories.
Tradition Meets Modernity on Screen
Leading the line-up is “Indus Echoes” (Sindhu Ji Goonj) — the first major Sindhi-language feature film in nearly 28 years. Written, directed, and produced by Rahul Aijaz, the film offers a poetic journey along the Indus River, weaving multiple stories of human lives bound to its banks. With an IMDb rating of 8.2, this 72-minute feature has been hailed as a landmark moment for Sindhi cinema.
Other notable films include:
- “Chikkar” by Zaheer Uddin Ahmed, a Punjabi crime thriller starring Usman Mukhtar, rated 8.4 on IMDb.
- “Umro Ayyar: A New Beginning”, a Pakistani sci-fi epic directed by Azfar Jafri, inspired by the Persian Hamzanama, rated 6.9.
- “40 Days” by Egyptian-American filmmaker Peter Takla, exploring themes of immigration and identity, rated 9.3.
Additionally, two short films — “W.R.A.P.” by Saba Karim Khan and “Criteria Kya Hai?” by Aneesa Khan — will be screened, followed by virtual sessions with the filmmakers.
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A Platform for Voices Beyond Borders
The festival jury features returning members such as Hameed Sheikh and Kay Ram, alongside new faces including Shahrook Oomer and Adam Richards. Actor Aliee Shaikh continues as LPFF’s brand ambassador.
LPFF’s mission goes beyond film screenings. It aims to connect the diaspora with creators, creating a global-local dialogue through panels, discussions, and storytelling. Organisers emphasize diversity of language, genre, and perspective, presenting a nuanced image of Pakistan’s cinematic landscape.
Expanding Horizons
This year’s edition also reflects LPFF’s growing ambition: more venues, more languages, and a wider thematic range. By anchoring itself at Rich Mix Cinema in Shoreditch, the festival is tapping into London’s vibrant arts scene while offering South Asian and British-Pakistani audiences access to stories that challenge stereotypes often seen in mainstream media.
LPFF is no longer a one-off showcase. It is emerging as a bridge between tradition and modernity, homeland and diaspora, story and audience.
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