Organized under the aegis of the KaraFilm Society, a grouping of committed young filmmakers, the KaraFilm Festival is a celebration of the moving image and of storytelling. Our goal is to promote an appreciation of the art and craft of filmmaking among a wide population as well as to encourage creativity and high standards among filmmakers. We hope that this will have a salutary effect on the development of the motion picture industry in Pakistan and elsewhere.

Many years ago, international film festivals in Karachi attracted large audiences and some of the best filmmakers in the world. Satyajit Ray, for example, was one of a host of world renowned directors screening films in Karachi in the 1960s.

With this festival we hope to create, once again, a space for alternative and independent cinema in Pakistan, where both experienced and new filmmakers can exhibit their creative endeavours and where work is recognized on the basis of merit. In addition, the festival also provides an excellent opportunity for filmmakers to meet and learn from each other.

The KaraFilm Society

The KaraFilm Society has been established to promote, develop, improve and protect film as an art form in Pakistan. It seeks to encourage creativity and quality in filmmaking, to promote alternative voices and lobby for the interests of filmmakers in general, and to educate audiences about film through exposure to world cinema. It also aims to create spaces for cultural expression and debate and to foster greater tolerance among different cultures and nationalities through increased exchange and interaction between filmmakers and other artists working in the visual medium. It strongly believes in the power of the visual media to interpret and influence society and in using that power to nurture a more vibrant, just and enlightened social environment.
The Society organizes the annual KaraFilm Festival - the Karachi International Film Festival; as well as various screenings, talks and workshops throughout the year.

The KaraFilm Society is registered as a not-for-profit, non-political, non-governmental body under the Societies Registration Act, XXI of 1860. Its Executive Committee consists of Mr. Hasan Zaidi, Ms. Mehreen Jabbar, Ms. Maheen Zia, Ms. Tahera Hasan, Ms. Tamkeen Zia, Ms. Mussarat Jabeen and Ms. Shabnam Jabbar.

The KaraFilm Club

Annual Membership in the KaraFilm Club is available to film lovers who wish to avail the opportunity to participate in KaraFilm events throughout the year. These include regular screenings of world and alternative Pakistani cinema and meetings with invited celebrated filmmakers. Members will be issued KaraFilm Club Cards which will entitle them to the following benefits:

• Half Price Entry for Regular Screenings
• Reduced Rates for One Accompanying Guest
• Regular Updates on Events and Screenings
• Regular Delivery of KaraFilm Newsletter
• Priority Notification of Upcoming Special Events
• Reduced Rates for Season Passes for KaraFilm Festival
• Reduced Rates for Mini Festivals / Retrospective

To become a member, please contact us at: club@karafilmfest.com.

Supporting KaraFilm

The KaraFilm Society and its events are entirely funded by private donations and sponsorships and the Society welcomes donations from individuals who want to promote culture and the arts in Pakistan and the general aims of the Society. Individual and organizational donors are acknowledged in our publications as “Friends of KaraFilm.” KaraFilm Society accounts are audited annually.

You may write us a cheque in the name of “KaraFilm Society” at the above address or wire transfer your donations to our bank account:

Account Name: KaraFilm Society
Account Number: 867-3
Bank: Muslim Commercial Bank, Boat Basin Branch
(Branch Code: 1451)
Swift Code: MUCBPKKA

In case of wire transfer, please do e-mail us to let us know your name and ask for an acknowledgement of receipt.