About the Festival
The Cross Border Film Festival Chicago 2026 is a warm, welcoming platform for independent cinema from Pakistan, South Asia, and neighboring communities whose stories too often remain unheard. Through the power of film, the festival brings together voices from Pakistan, Palestine, Iran, Afghanistan, Somalia, and beyond, celebrating the richness, resilience, and shared humanity of our cultures.
The festival will begin with an Opening Night Gala for festival pass holders on 25 September 2026 at Regal Cinemas in Bolingbrook, Illinois. The evening will feature a red-carpet celebration and an opportunity for guests to mingle with filmmakers, artists, and fellow film lovers before the festival screenings begin.
Taking place on 26 to 27 September 2026, the inaugural festival will present locally produced Pakistani films alongside carefully curated international works, creating space for bold stories, emerging filmmakers, and meaningful conversations. Audiences will enjoy in-person screenings and panel discussions with industry professionals.
Our mission is personal: to build bridges through cinema, nurture independent talent, and create a home where filmmakers and audiences can meet, connect, and be inspired. By centering authentic storytelling, mentorship, cultural exchange, and collaboration, CBFFC aims to strengthen Chicago’s South Asian and global creative communities while supporting Lollywood as a vibrant hub for innovation and cinematic expression.
More than a festival, CBFFC is an invitation, to listen, to share, and to imagine a more connected future through the stories we tell.
About the Festival
The Cross Border Film Festival Chicago 2026 is a warm, welcoming platform for independent cinema from Pakistan, South Asia, and neighboring communities whose stories too often remain unheard. Through the power of film, the festival brings together voices from Pakistan, Palestine, Iran, Afghanistan, Somalia, and beyond, celebrating the richness, resilience, and shared humanity of our cultures.
The festival will begin with an Opening Night Gala for festival pass holders on 25 September 2026 at Regal Cinemas in Bolingbrook, Illinois. The evening will feature a red-carpet celebration and an opportunity for guests to mingle with filmmakers, artists, and fellow film lovers before the festival screenings begin.
Taking place on 26 to 27 September 2026, the inaugural festival will present locally produced Pakistani films alongside carefully curated international works, creating space for bold stories, emerging filmmakers, and meaningful conversations. Audiences will enjoy in-person screenings and panel discussions with industry professionals.
Our mission is personal: to build bridges through cinema, nurture independent talent, and create a home where filmmakers and audiences can meet, connect, and be inspired. By centering authentic storytelling, mentorship, cultural exchange, and collaboration, CBFFC aims to strengthen Chicago’s South Asian and global creative communities while supporting Lollywood as a vibrant hub for innovation and cinematic expression.
More than a festival, CBFFC is an invitation, to listen, to share, and to imagine a more connected future through the stories we tell.
Events Schedule
Stay updated with our latest events and showcases. Experience stories,
performances, and creativity from around the world.
Day 01 - Opening Night
- Red Carpet
- Opening Ceremony
- Feature Film Premiere
Day 02 – Festival & Awards
- Film Screenings
- Panel Discussions
- Awards Night
Events Schedule
Stay updated with our latest events and showcases. Experience stories,
performances, and creativity from around the world.
Day 01 - Opening Night
- Red Carpet
- Opening Ceremony
- Feature Film Premiere
Day 02 – Festival & Awards
- Film Screenings
- Panel Discussions
- Awards Night
Special Screening
Experience a curated selection of powerful stories that transcend borders. Our screenings
bring together impactful films, creators, and audiences for an unforgettable journey.
- United States
- India
- Iran
- Turkey
- Canada
- Palestine
- Pakistan
- Short Films
- Documentary Films
- Feature Films
1
STALLED
A heartfelt student short film blending comedy and drama, capturing life’s unexpected pauses and personal growth through a relatable journey.
- Director: Michael Lazovsky
- Country: United States
- Language: English, Urdu
- Film Type: Student Short Film
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
STALLED
A heartfelt student short film blending comedy and drama, capturing life’s unexpected pauses and personal growth through a relatable journey.
- Director: Michael Lazovsky
- Country: United States
- Language: English, Urdu
- Film Type: Student Short Film
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
1
HALAL BODIES
A thoughtful documentary exploring how Muslim Americans navigate family expectations, cultural traditions, and societal pressures surrounding relationships, intimacy, and identity.
-
Director: Nausheen Dadabhoy
-
Country: United States
-
Language: English
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Documentary, Social Issues
HALAL BODIES
A thoughtful documentary exploring how Muslim Americans navigate family expectations, cultural traditions, and societal pressures surrounding relationships, intimacy, and identity.
-
Director: Nausheen Dadabhoy
-
Country: United States
-
Language: English
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Documentary, Social Issues
1
PORELESS
A vibrant comedy about a queer Muslim beauty entrepreneur who must overcome an unexpected allergic reaction while competing in a high-stakes, Shark Tank-style product pitch contest.
-
Director: Harris Doran
-
Country: United States
-
Language: English
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Comedy
PORELESS
A vibrant comedy about a queer Muslim beauty entrepreneur who must overcome an unexpected allergic reaction while competing in a high-stakes, Shark Tank-style product pitch contest.
-
Director: Harris Doran
-
Country: United States
-
Language: English
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Comedy
1
POST TERM
During a 1992 Long Island autumn, a Pakistani immigrant couple expecting their first child confronts the challenges of love, tradition, and building a new life together in America.
-
Director: Saleem Gondal
-
Country: United States
-
Language: Urdu, English, Punjabi
-
Film Type: Narrative Short Film
-
Genre: Drama
POST TERM
During a 1992 Long Island autumn, a Pakistani immigrant couple expecting their first child confronts the challenges of love, tradition, and building a new life together in America.
-
Director: Saleem Gondal
-
Country: United States
-
Language: Urdu, English, Punjabi
-
Film Type: Narrative Short Film
-
Genre: Drama
1
WITNESS
A revered small-town imam faces a crisis of faith when he must choose between upholding the values of his mosque and protecting the safety and spiritual belonging of a male congregant.
-
Director: Saif Jaan, Radha Mehta
-
Country: United States
-
Language: English
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Drama
WITNESS
A revered small-town imam faces a crisis of faith when he must choose between upholding the values of his mosque and protecting the safety and spiritual belonging of a male congregant.
-
Director: Saif Jaan, Radha Mehta
-
Country: United States
-
Language: English
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Drama
1
UNQUALIFIED
A sharp and thought-provoking short film exploring identity, expectations, and the pressure to prove that you belong, as a young woman confronts the labels and assumptions placed upon her.
-
Director: Sherry Rashidan
-
Country: United States
-
Language: English
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Drama
UNQUALIFIED
A sharp and thought-provoking short film exploring identity, expectations, and the pressure to prove that you belong, as a young woman confronts the labels and assumptions placed upon her.
-
Director: Sherry Rashidan
-
Country: United States
-
Language: English
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Drama
1
Half
Sri is caught between cultures and identities, never feeling fully accepted as Asian, Arab, American, queer, or Muslim. When they meet Erren, a Black American Muslim navigating his own identity, Sri may finally find someone who sees them as whole.
-
Director: Arti Ishak
-
Country: United States
-
Language: Arabic, English, Indonesian
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Comedy, Slice of Life
Half
Sri is caught between cultures and identities, never feeling fully accepted as Asian, Arab, American, queer, or Muslim. When they meet Erren, a Black American Muslim navigating his own identity, Sri may finally find someone who sees them as whole.
-
Director: Arti Ishak
-
Country: United States
-
Language: Arabic, English, Indonesian
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Comedy, Slice of Life
1
HARAM SALAMI
Three generations of Afghan women navigate the complexities of family, identity, and tradition when a single bold act sparks an unexpected confrontation, bringing buried tensions and the cost of pursuing a dream to the surface.
-
Director: Ayda Rojhantalab, Negine Sekandari
-
Country: United States
-
Language: English
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Drama
HARAM SALAMI
Three generations of Afghan women navigate the complexities of family, identity, and tradition when a single bold act sparks an unexpected confrontation, bringing buried tensions and the cost of pursuing a dream to the surface.
- Director: Ayda Rojhantalab, Negine Sekandari
-
Country: United States
-
Language: English
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Drama
1
MORE THAN TWO
More Than Two shares the stories of LGBTQ+ people who live beyond society’s strict rules about gender and love, celebrating their courage, individuality, and the freedom to exist beyond labels.
-
Director: Dollye Tomar
-
Country: United States
-
Language: English
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: LGBTQ+ / Social Documentary
MORE THAN TWO
More Than Two shares the stories of LGBTQ+ people who live beyond society’s strict rules about gender and love, celebrating their courage, individuality, and the freedom to exist beyond labels.
-
Director: Dollye Tomar
-
Country: United States
-
Language: English
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: LGBTQ+ / Social Documentary
Seeds for Liberation
A powerful documentary-drama exploring resilience, justice, and the fight for liberation through compelling real-life storytelling.
-
Director: Matthew Solomon
-
Cast: TBA
-
Country: United States
-
Language: English
-
Film Type: Documentary
-
Genre: Documentary, Drama
- Runtime: 1 Hour 32 Minutes
Seeds for Liberation
A powerful documentary-drama exploring resilience, justice, and the fight for liberation through compelling real-life storytelling.
-
Director: Matthew Solomon
-
Cast: TBA
-
Country: United States
-
Language: English
-
Film Type: Documentary
-
Genre: Documentary, Drama
- Runtime: 1 Hour 32 Minutes
Jyoti
A gripping psychological drama that follows an intense emotional journey through trauma, resilience, and self-discovery.
- Director: Azfar Ali
- Cast: TBA
- Country: United States
- Language: Urdu
- Film Type: Feature Film
- Genre: Drama, Psychological
Jyoti
A gripping psychological drama that follows an intense emotional journey through trauma, resilience, and self-discovery.
- Director: Azfar Ali
- Cast: TBA
- Country: United States
- Language: Urdu
- Film Type: Feature Film
- Genre: Drama, Psychological
THE MARTIAL ARTIST
An inspiring journey of redemption, discipline, and self-discovery as a rising MMA fighter battles fame, personal demons, and his greatest opponent himself.
- Director: Shaz Khan
- Cast: Shaz Khan, Faran Tahir, Sanam Saeed, Gregory Sporleder, Liz Fennin
- Country: United States
- Language: English
- Film Type: Feature Film
- Genre: Drama • Sports • Action
- Runtime: 1 hour 57 minute
THE MARTIAL ARTIST
An inspiring journey of redemption, discipline, and self-discovery as a rising MMA fighter battles fame, personal demons, and his greatest opponent himself.
- Director: Shaz Khan
- Cast: Shaz Khan, Faran Tahir, Sanam Saeed, Gregory Sporleder, Liz Fennin
- Country: United States
- Language: English
- Film Type: Feature Film
- Genre: Drama • Sports • Action
- Runtime: 1 hour 57 minute
HANGING BY A WIRE
When a cable car malfunctions high in the mountains, eight passengers including six students become trapped above a valley. As the final cable threatens to fail, rescuers race against time to bring them safely back to the ground.
-
Director: Mohammed Ali Naqvi
-
Country: United States
-
Language: English
-
Film Type: Feature Film
-
Genre: Thriller / Disaster
HANGING BY A WIRE
When a cable car malfunctions high in the mountains, eight passengers including six students become trapped above a valley. As the final cable threatens to fail, rescuers race against time to bring them safely back to the ground.
-
Director: Mohammed Ali Naqvi
-
Country: United States
-
Language: English
-
Film Type: Feature Film
-
Genre: Thriller / Disaster
SEAT AT THE TABLE
SEAT AT THE TABLE chronicles the rise of South Asian Americans in U.S. politics, following groundbreaking campaigns during the 2024 elections and revealing how a community once pushed to the margins is reshaping America’s political future.
-
Director: Sarita Khurana, Yoav Attias
-
Country: United States
-
Language: English & Hindi
-
Film Type: Feature
-
Genre: Political Documentary
SEAT AT THE TABLE
SEAT AT THE TABLE chronicles the rise of South Asian Americans in U.S. politics, following groundbreaking campaigns during the 2024 elections and revealing how a community once pushed to the margins is reshaping America’s political future.
- Director: Sarita Khurana, Yoav Attias
-
Country: United States
-
Language: English & Hindi
-
Film Type: Feature
-
Genre: Political Documentary
- Short Films
1
Thursday Special
After 27 years of marriage and a shared love for food, a couple’s cherished Thursday ritual becomes a quiet reflection on love, companionship, and the inevitability of change.
- Director: Varun Tandon
- Cast: Anubha Fatehpuria, Ramakant Daayama
-
Country: India
-
Language: Hindi
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Drama, Romance
Thursday Special
After 27 years of marriage and a shared love for food, a couple’s cherished Thursday ritual becomes a quiet reflection on love, companionship, and the inevitability of change.
- Director: Varun Tandon
- Cast: Anubha Fatehpuria, Ramakant Daayama
-
Country: India
-
Language: Hindi
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Drama, Romance
- Short Films
- Documentary Films
1
On The Mountain
A reflective journey where isolation in nature leads to healing and self-realization.
-
Director: Anya Raza
-
Cast: Emma Stonebridge, Lucas Reed
-
Country: United States
-
Language: English
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Drama
- Runtime: 12 minutes 47 seconds
On The Mountain
A reflective journey where isolation in nature leads to healing and self-realization.
-
Director: Anya Raza
-
Cast: Emma Stonebridge, Lucas Reed
-
Country: United States
-
Language: English
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Drama
- Runtime: 12 minutes 47 seconds
1
ZONA CESARINI
A powerful psychological drama exploring human fragility, social challenges, and the search for meaning in life’s most critical moments.
- Director: Maryam Rahimi
- Cast: TBA
- Country: Iran, Italy
- Language: Italian
- Film Type: Short Film
- Genre: Drama • Psychological • Social
- Runtime: 10 minutes 37 seconds
ZONA CESARINI
A powerful psychological drama exploring human fragility, social challenges, and the search for meaning in life’s most critical moments.
- Director: Maryam Rahimi
- Cast: TBA
- Country: Iran, Italy
- Language: Italian
- Film Type: Short Film
- Genre: Drama • Psychological • Social
- Runtime: 10 minutes 37 seconds
1
1
A Pine; A Hundred Sparrows
A visually rich documentary exploring resilience, nature, and human connection through the symbolism of a lone pine and countless sparrows.
- Director: Hashem Mortazaviyan
- Cast: Documentary Participant
- Country: Iran
- Language: Persian
- Film Type: Documentary Feature
- Genre: Documentary
A Pine; A Hundred Sparrows
A visually rich documentary exploring resilience, nature, and human connection through the symbolism of a lone pine and countless sparrows.
- Director: Hashem Mortazaviyan
- Cast: Documentary Participant
- Country: Iran
- Language: Persian
- Film Type: Documentary Feature
- Genre: Documentary
- Short Films
1
SUNNA
When sudden hearing loss shatters her identity, a young Indian musician is left in silence until the echoes of memory, touch, and culture help her reclaim music and herself.
-
Director: Ali Kaygisiz
-
Country: Turkey
-
Language: Turkish
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Comedy
SUNNA
When sudden hearing loss shatters her identity, a young Indian musician is left in silence until the echoes of memory, touch, and culture help her reclaim music and herself.
-
Director: Ali Kaygisiz
-
Country: Turkey
-
Language: Turkish
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Comedy
- Short Films
- Feature Films
1
The Heart Smiles
A charming romantic comedy celebrating love, laughter, and meaningful connections through an uplifting and heartfelt story.
- Director: Aftab Abbasi
- Cast: TBA
- Country: Canada
- Language: English
- Film Type: Short Film
- Genre: Romance, Comedy
The Heart Smiles
A charming romantic comedy celebrating love, laughter, and meaningful connections through an uplifting and heartfelt story.
- Director: Aftab Abbasi
- Cast: TBA
- Country: Canada
- Language: English
- Film Type: Short Film
- Genre: Romance, Comedy
1
Leveled
A heartfelt drama that explores the emotional highs and lows of life, revealing how one defining moment can change everything.
- Director: Sara Rangooni
- Cast: TBA
- Country: Canada
- Language: English, Urdu
- Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Drama
- Runtime: 14 Minutes 59 Seconds
Leveled
A heartfelt drama that explores the emotional highs and lows of life, revealing how one defining moment can change everything.
- Director: Sara Rangooni
- Cast: TBA
- Country: Canada
- Language: English, Urdu
- Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Drama
- Runtime: 14 Minutes 59 Seconds
1
THE QUEEN OF MY DREAMS
A heartfelt Pakistani-Canadian comedy-drama following a young woman’s journey through grief, identity, and family as she discovers the untold story of her mother’s past.
- Director: Fawzia Mirza
- Country: Canada, Pakistan
- Language: English, Urdu
- Film Type: Feature Film
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- Runtime: 1 Hour 36 Minutes
THE QUEEN OF MY DREAMS
A heartfelt Pakistani-Canadian comedy-drama following a young woman’s journey through grief, identity, and family as she discovers the untold story of her mother’s past.
- Director: Fawzia Mirza
- Country: Canada, Pakistan
- Language: English, Urdu
- Film Type: Feature Film
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- Runtime: 1 Hour 36 Minutes
- Short Films
- Feature film
1
Kufiya
A powerful short film reflecting themes of heritage, identity, and cultural expression through a concise and impactful narrative.
- Director: Shahd Shahroor
- Cast: TBA
- Country: Palestine, United States
- Language: English
- Film Type: Short Film
- Genre: Drama
Kufiya
A powerful short film reflecting themes of heritage, identity, and cultural expression through a concise and impactful narrative.
- Director: Shahd Shahroor
- Cast: TBA
- Country: Palestine, United States
- Language: English
- Film Type: Short Film
- Genre: Drama
1
Meet The 3amos
A lighthearted and culturally rich short film that celebrates friendship, family dynamics, and the humor found in everyday life.
- Director: Shahd Shahroor
- Cast: TBA
- Country: Country: Palestine, United States
- Language: Arabic, English
- Film Type: Short Film
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
Meet The 3amos
A lighthearted and culturally rich short film that celebrates friendship, family dynamics, and the humor found in everyday life.
- Director: Shahd Shahroor
- Cast: TBA
- Country: Country: Palestine, United States
- Language: Arabic, English
- Film Type: Short Film
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
1
1
ALL THAT'S LEFT OF YOU
A powerful multigenerational drama tracing one Palestinian family’s journey through decades of displacement, resilience, and hope, revealing the enduring strength of love, memory, and survival across generations.
- Director: Cherien Dabis
- Country: Palestine
- Language: Arabic, English
- Film Type: Feature Film
- Genre: Drama, History
ALL THAT'S LEFT OF YOU
A powerful multigenerational drama tracing one Palestinian family’s journey through decades of displacement, resilience, and hope, revealing the enduring strength of love, memory, and survival across generations.
- Director: Cherien Dabis
- Country: Palestine
- Language: Arabic, English
- Film Type: Feature Film
- Genre: Drama, History
- Short Films
- Documentaries
1
Udeekan
A story of longing and emotional distance expressed through silence and waiting.
-
Director: Aiza Mustabeen Zahid
-
Cast: Hania Aamir, Bilal Abbas
-
Country: Pakistan
-
Language: Urdu
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Drama
- Runtime: 25 minutes
Udeekan
A story of longing and emotional distance expressed through silence and waiting.
-
Director: Aiza Mustabeen Zahid
-
Cast: Hania Aamir, Bilal Abbas
-
Country: Pakistan
-
Language: Urdu
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Drama
- Runtime: 25 minutes
1
Fankaar (The Artist)
A psychological thriller that delves into the fragile boundaries between creativity, obsession, and fear through the mind of an artist.
- Director: Ahsan Minhas
- Cast: TBA
- Country: Pakistan
- Language: Urdu
- Film Type: Short Film
- Genre: Drama, Thriller, Psychological Horror
Fankaar (The Artist)
A psychological thriller that delves into the fragile boundaries between creativity, obsession, and fear through the mind of an artist.
- Director: Ahsan Minhas
- Cast: TBA
- Country: Pakistan
- Language: Urdu
- Film Type: Short Film
- Genre: Drama, Thriller, Psychological Horror
1
Tussle (Janjaal)
A gripping student short film that unravels mystery and suspense as hidden truths emerge through a tense psychological journey.
- Director: Syed Asad Raza Abidi
- Cast: TBA
- Country: Pakistan
- Language: Urdu
- Film Type: Short Film
- Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Suspense
- Runtime: 24 minutes
Tussle (Janjaal)
A gripping student short film that unravels mystery and suspense as hidden truths emerge through a tense psychological journey.
- Director: Syed Asad Raza Abidi
- Cast: TBA
- Country: Pakistan
- Language: Urdu
- Film Type: Short Film
- Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Suspense
- Runtime: 24 minutes
1
DON'T BE LATE, MYRA
A tense survival thriller following ten-year-old Myra after she misses her school bus and is forced to walk home alone through the streets of Lahore, where unwanted attention quickly turns her journey into a fight for safety.
-
Director: Afia Serena Nathaniel
-
Country: Pakistan / United States
-
Language: Urdu
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Drama, Thriller
DON'T BE LATE, MYRA
A tense survival thriller following ten-year-old Myra after she misses her school bus and is forced to walk home alone through the streets of Lahore, where unwanted attention quickly turns her journey into a fight for safety.
-
Director: Afia Serena Nathaniel
-
Country: Pakistan / United States
-
Language: Urdu
-
Film Type: Short Film
- Genre: Drama, Thriller
1
Salam Shalom
An eye-opening story uncovering hidden history and cultural identity across borders.
-
Director: Hina Ali
-
Cast: David Cohen, Sara Ahmed
-
Country: Pakistan, United States
-
Language: English / Urdu
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Documentary / Drama
- Runtime: 28 minutes
Salam Shalom
An eye-opening story uncovering hidden history and cultural identity across borders.
-
Director: Hina Ali
-
Cast: David Cohen, Sara Ahmed
-
Country: Pakistan, United States
-
Language: English / Urdu
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Documentary / Drama
- Runtime: 28 minutes
1
Beyond The Wetlands
A visually immersive feature exploring life, survival, and nature within fragile ecosystems.
-
Director: Arsalan Majid
-
Cast: Ali Rehman Khan, Mahira Khan
-
Country: Pakistan
-
Language: Urdu
-
Film Type: Documentaries Film
-
Genre: Adventure, Survival, Thriller
- Runtime: 1 hour 34 minutes 36 seconds
Beyond The Wetlands
A visually immersive feature exploring life, survival, and nature within fragile ecosystems.
-
Director: Arsalan Majid
-
Cast: Ali Rehman Khan, Mahira Khan
-
Country: Pakistan
-
Language: Urdu
-
Film Type: Documentaries Film
-
Genre: Adventure, Survival, Thriller
- Runtime: 1 hour 34 minutes 36 seconds
Special Screening
Experience a curated selection of powerful stories that transcend borders. Our screenings
bring together impactful films, creators, and audiences for an unforgettable journey.
1
Udeekan
A story of longing and emotional distance expressed through silence and waiting.
-
Director: Aiza Mustabeen Zahid
-
Cast: Hania Aamir, Bilal Abbas
-
Country: Pakistan
-
Language: Urdu
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Drama
- Runtime: 25 minutes
Udeekan
A story of longing and emotional distance expressed through silence and waiting.
-
Director: Aiza Mustabeen Zahid
-
Cast: Hania Aamir, Bilal Abbas
-
Country: Pakistan
-
Language: Urdu
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Drama
- Runtime: 25 minutes
1
The Heart Smiles
A charming romantic comedy celebrating love, laughter, and meaningful connections through an uplifting and heartfelt story.
- Director: Aftab Abbasi
- Cast: TBA
- Country: Canada
- Language: English
- Film Type: Short Film
- Genre: Romance, Comedy
The Heart Smiles
A charming romantic comedy celebrating love, laughter, and meaningful connections through an uplifting and heartfelt story.
- Director: Aftab Abbasi
- Cast: TBA
- Country: Canada
- Language: English
- Film Type: Short Film
- Genre: Romance, Comedy
1
On The Mountain
A reflective journey where isolation in nature leads to healing and self-realization.
-
Director: Anya Raza
-
Cast: Emma Stonebridge, Lucas Reed
-
Country: United States
-
Language: English
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Drama
- Runtime: 12 minutes 47 seconds
On The Mountain
A reflective journey where isolation in nature leads to healing and self-realization.
-
Director: Anya Raza
-
Cast: Emma Stonebridge, Lucas Reed
-
Country: United States
-
Language: English
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Drama
- Runtime: 12 minutes 47 seconds
1
Salam Shalom
An eye-opening story uncovering hidden history and cultural identity across borders.
-
Director: Hina Ali
-
Cast: David Cohen, Sara Ahmed
-
Country: Pakistan, United States
-
Language: English / Urdu
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Documentary / Drama
- Runtime: 28 minutes
Salam Shalom
An eye-opening story uncovering hidden history and cultural identity across borders.
-
Director: Hina Ali
-
Cast: David Cohen, Sara Ahmed
-
Country: Pakistan, United States
-
Language: English / Urdu
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Documentary / Drama
- Runtime: 28 minutes
1
Beyond The Wetlands
A visually immersive feature exploring life, survival, and nature within fragile ecosystems.
-
Director: Arsalan Majid
-
Cast: Ali Rehman Khan, Mahira Khan
-
Country: Pakistan
-
Language: Urdu
-
Film Type: Documentaries Film
-
Genre: Adventure, Survival, Thriller
- Runtime: 1 hour 34 minutes 36 seconds
Beyond The Wetlands
A visually immersive feature exploring life, survival, and nature within fragile ecosystems.
-
Director: Arsalan Majid
-
Cast: Ali Rehman Khan, Mahira Khan
-
Country: Pakistan
-
Language: Urdu
-
Film Type: Documentaries Film
-
Genre: Adventure, Survival, Thriller
- Runtime: 1 hour 34 minutes 36 seconds
1
Fankaar (The Artist)
A psychological thriller that delves into the fragile boundaries between creativity, obsession, and fear through the mind of an artist.
- Director: Ahsan Minhas
- Cast: TBA
- Country: Pakistan
- Language: Urdu
- Film Type: Short Film
- Genre: Drama, Thriller, Psychological Horror
Fankaar (The Artist)
A psychological thriller that delves into the fragile boundaries between creativity, obsession, and fear through the mind of an artist.
- Director: Ahsan Minhas
- Cast: TBA
- Country: Pakistan
- Language: Urdu
- Film Type: Short Film
- Genre: Drama, Thriller, Psychological Horror
1
STALLED
A heartfelt student short film blending comedy and drama, capturing life’s unexpected pauses and personal growth through a relatable journey.
- Director: Michael Lazovsky
- Country: United States
- Language: English, Urdu
- Film Type: Student Short Film
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
STALLED
A heartfelt student short film blending comedy and drama, capturing life’s unexpected pauses and personal growth through a relatable journey.
- Director: Michael Lazovsky
- Country: United States
- Language: English, Urdu
- Film Type: Student Short Film
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
1
Tussle (Janjaal)
A gripping student short film that unravels mystery and suspense as hidden truths emerge through a tense psychological journey.
- Director: Syed Asad Raza Abidi
- Cast: TBA
- Country: Pakistan
- Language: Urdu
- Film Type: Short Film
- Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Suspense
- Runtime: 24 minutes
Tussle (Janjaal)
A gripping student short film that unravels mystery and suspense as hidden truths emerge through a tense psychological journey.
- Director: Syed Asad Raza Abidi
- Cast: TBA
- Country: Pakistan
- Language: Urdu
- Film Type: Short Film
- Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Suspense
- Runtime: 24 minutes
1
Kufiya
A powerful short film reflecting themes of heritage, identity, and cultural expression through a concise and impactful narrative.
- Director: Shahd Shahroor
- Cast: TBA
- Country: Palestine, United States
- Language: English
- Film Type: Short Film
- Genre: Drama
Kufiya
A powerful short film reflecting themes of heritage, identity, and cultural expression through a concise and impactful narrative.
- Director: Shahd Shahroor
- Cast: TBA
- Country: Palestine, United States
- Language: English
- Film Type: Short Film
- Genre: Drama
1
Jyoti
A gripping psychological drama that follows an intense emotional journey through trauma, resilience, and self-discovery.
- Director: Azfar Ali
- Cast: TBA
- Country: United States
- Language: Urdu
- Film Type: Feature Film
- Genre: Drama, Psychological
Jyoti
A gripping psychological drama that follows an intense emotional journey through trauma, resilience, and self-discovery.
- Director: Azfar Ali
- Cast: TBA
- Country: United States
- Language: Urdu
- Film Type: Feature Film
- Genre: Drama, Psychological
1
Meet The 3amos
A lighthearted and culturally rich short film that celebrates friendship, family dynamics, and the humor found in everyday life.
- Director: Shahd Shahroor
- Cast: TBA
- Country: Country: Palestine, United States
- Language: Arabic, English
- Film Type: Short Film
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
Meet The 3amos
A lighthearted and culturally rich short film that celebrates friendship, family dynamics, and the humor found in everyday life.
- Director: Shahd Shahroor
- Cast: TBA
- Country: Country: Palestine, United States
- Language: Arabic, English
- Film Type: Short Film
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
1
THE MARTIAL ARTIST
An inspiring journey of redemption, discipline, and self-discovery as a rising MMA fighter battles fame, personal demons, and his greatest opponent himself.
- Director: Shaz Khan
- Cast: Shaz Khan, Faran Tahir, Sanam Saeed, Gregory Sporleder, Liz Fennin
- Country: United States
- Language: English
- Film Type: Feature Film
- Genre: Drama • Sports • Action
- Runtime: 1 hour 57 minute
THE MARTIAL ARTIST
An inspiring journey of redemption, discipline, and self-discovery as a rising MMA fighter battles fame, personal demons, and his greatest opponent himself.
- Director: Shaz Khan
- Cast: Shaz Khan, Faran Tahir, Sanam Saeed, Gregory Sporleder, Liz Fennin
- Country: United States
- Language: English
- Film Type: Feature Film
- Genre: Drama • Sports • Action
- Runtime: 1 hour 57 minute
1
ALL THAT'S LEFT OF YOU
A powerful multigenerational drama tracing one Palestinian family’s journey through decades of displacement, resilience, and hope, revealing the enduring strength of love, memory, and survival across generations.
- Director: Cherien Dabis
- Country: Palestine
- Language: Arabic, English
- Film Type: Feature Film
- Genre: Drama, History
ALL THAT'S LEFT OF YOU
A powerful multigenerational drama tracing one Palestinian family’s journey through decades of displacement, resilience, and hope, revealing the enduring strength of love, memory, and survival across generations.
- Director: Cherien Dabis
- Country: Palestine
- Language: Arabic, English
- Film Type: Feature Film
- Genre: Drama, History
1
Seeds for Liberation
A powerful documentary-drama exploring resilience, justice, and the fight for liberation through compelling real-life storytelling.
-
Director: Matthew Solomon
-
Cast: TBA
-
Country: United States
-
Language: English
-
Film Type: Documentary
-
Genre: Documentary, Drama
- Runtime: 1 Hour 32 Minutes
Seeds for Liberation
A powerful documentary-drama exploring resilience, justice, and the fight for liberation through compelling real-life storytelling.
-
Director: Matthew Solomon
-
Cast: TBA
-
Country: United States
-
Language: English
-
Film Type: Documentary
-
Genre: Documentary, Drama
- Runtime: 1 Hour 32 Minutes
1
Leveled
A heartfelt drama that explores the emotional highs and lows of life, revealing how one defining moment can change everything.
- Director: Sara Rangooni
- Cast: TBA
- Country: Canada
- Language: English, Urdu
- Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Drama
- Runtime: 14 Minutes 59 Seconds
Leveled
A heartfelt drama that explores the emotional highs and lows of life, revealing how one defining moment can change everything.
- Director: Sara Rangooni
- Cast: TBA
- Country: Canada
- Language: English, Urdu
- Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Drama
- Runtime: 14 Minutes 59 Seconds
1
ZONA CESARINI
A powerful psychological drama exploring human fragility, social challenges, and the search for meaning in life’s most critical moments.
- Director: Maryam Rahimi
- Cast: TBA
- Country: Iran, Italy
- Language: Italian
- Film Type: Short Film
- Genre: Drama • Psychological • Social
- Runtime: 10 minutes 37 seconds
ZONA CESARINI
A powerful psychological drama exploring human fragility, social challenges, and the search for meaning in life’s most critical moments.
- Director: Maryam Rahimi
- Cast: TBA
- Country: Iran, Italy
- Language: Italian
- Film Type: Short Film
- Genre: Drama • Psychological • Social
- Runtime: 10 minutes 37 seconds
1
THE QUEEN OF MY DREAMS
A heartfelt Pakistani-Canadian comedy-drama following a young woman’s journey through grief, identity, and family as she discovers the untold story of her mother’s past.
- Director: Fawzia Mirza
- Country: Canada, Pakistan
- Language: English, Urdu
- Film Type: Feature Film
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- Runtime: 1 Hour 36 Minutes
THE QUEEN OF MY DREAMS
A heartfelt Pakistani-Canadian comedy-drama following a young woman’s journey through grief, identity, and family as she discovers the untold story of her mother’s past.
- Director: Fawzia Mirza
- Country: Canada, Pakistan
- Language: English, Urdu
- Film Type: Feature Film
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- Runtime: 1 Hour 36 Minutes
1
DON'T BE LATE, MYRA
A tense survival thriller following ten-year-old Myra after she misses her school bus and is forced to walk home alone through the streets of Lahore, where unwanted attention quickly turns her journey into a fight for safety.
-
Director: Afia Serena Nathaniel
-
Country: Pakistan / United States
-
Language: Urdu
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Drama, Thriller
DON'T BE LATE, MYRA
A tense survival thriller following ten-year-old Myra after she misses her school bus and is forced to walk home alone through the streets of Lahore, where unwanted attention quickly turns her journey into a fight for safety.
-
Director: Afia Serena Nathaniel
-
Country: Pakistan / United States
-
Language: Urdu
-
Film Type: Short Film
- Genre: Drama, Thriller
1
HALAL BODIES
A thoughtful documentary exploring how Muslim Americans navigate family expectations, cultural traditions, and societal pressures surrounding relationships, intimacy, and identity.
-
Director: Nausheen Dadabhoy
-
Country: United States
-
Language: English
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Documentary, Social Issues
HALAL BODIES
A thoughtful documentary exploring how Muslim Americans navigate family expectations, cultural traditions, and societal pressures surrounding relationships, intimacy, and identity.
-
Director: Nausheen Dadabhoy
-
Country: United States
-
Language: English
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Documentary, Social Issues
1
A Pine; A Hundred Sparrows
A visually rich documentary exploring resilience, nature, and human connection through the symbolism of a lone pine and countless sparrows.
- Director: Hashem Mortazaviyan
- Cast: Documentary Participant
- Country: Iran
- Language: Persian
- Film Type: Documentary Feature
- Genre: Documentary
A Pine; A Hundred Sparrows
A visually rich documentary exploring resilience, nature, and human connection through the symbolism of a lone pine and countless sparrows.
- Director: Hashem Mortazaviyan
- Cast: Documentary Participant
- Country: Iran
- Language: Persian
- Film Type: Documentary Feature
- Genre: Documentary
1
PORELESS
A vibrant comedy about a queer Muslim beauty entrepreneur who must overcome an unexpected allergic reaction while competing in a high-stakes, Shark Tank-style product pitch contest.
-
Director: Harris Doran
-
Country: United States
-
Language: English
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Comedy
PORELESS
A vibrant comedy about a queer Muslim beauty entrepreneur who must overcome an unexpected allergic reaction while competing in a high-stakes, Shark Tank-style product pitch contest.
-
Director: Harris Doran
-
Country: United States
-
Language: English
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Comedy
1
Half
Sri is caught between cultures and identities, never feeling fully accepted as Asian, Arab, American, queer, or Muslim. When they meet Erren, a Black American Muslim navigating his own identity, Sri may finally find someone who sees them as whole.
-
Director: Arti Ishak
-
Country: United States
-
Language: Arabic, English, Indonesian
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Comedy, Slice of Life
Half
Sri is caught between cultures and identities, never feeling fully accepted as Asian, Arab, American, queer, or Muslim. When they meet Erren, a Black American Muslim navigating his own identity, Sri may finally find someone who sees them as whole.
-
Director: Arti Ishak
-
Country: United States
-
Language: Arabic, English, Indonesian
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Comedy, Slice of Life
1
MORE THAN TWO
More Than Two shares the stories of LGBTQ+ people who live beyond society’s strict rules about gender and love, celebrating their courage, individuality, and the freedom to exist beyond labels.
-
Director: Dollye Tomar
-
Country: United States
-
Language: English
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: LGBTQ+ / Social Documentary
MORE THAN TWO
More Than Two shares the stories of LGBTQ+ people who live beyond society’s strict rules about gender and love, celebrating their courage, individuality, and the freedom to exist beyond labels.
-
Director: Dollye Tomar
-
Country: United States
-
Language: English
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: LGBTQ+ / Social Documentary
1
HANGING BY A WIRE
When a cable car malfunctions high in the mountains, eight passengers including six students become trapped above a valley. As the final cable threatens to fail, rescuers race against time to bring them safely back to the ground.
-
Director: Mohammed Ali Naqvi
-
Country: United States
-
Language: English
-
Film Type: Feature Film
-
Genre: Thriller / Disaster
HANGING BY A WIRE
When a cable car malfunctions high in the mountains, eight passengers including six students become trapped above a valley. As the final cable threatens to fail, rescuers race against time to bring them safely back to the ground.
-
Director: Mohammed Ali Naqvi
-
Country: United States
-
Language: English
-
Film Type: Feature Film
-
Genre: Thriller / Disaster
1
HARAM SALAMI
Three generations of Afghan women navigate the complexities of family, identity, and tradition when a single bold act sparks an unexpected confrontation, bringing buried tensions and the cost of pursuing a dream to the surface.
-
Director: Ayda Rojhantalab, Negine Sekandari
-
Country: United States
-
Language: English
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Drama
HARAM SALAMI
Three generations of Afghan women navigate the complexities of family, identity, and tradition when a single bold act sparks an unexpected confrontation, bringing buried tensions and the cost of pursuing a dream to the surface.
- Director: Ayda Rojhantalab, Negine Sekandari
-
Country: United States
-
Language: English
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Drama
1
UNQUALIFIED
A sharp and thought-provoking short film exploring identity, expectations, and the pressure to prove that you belong, as a young woman confronts the labels and assumptions placed upon her.
-
Director: Sherry Rashidan
-
Country: United States
-
Language: English
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Drama
UNQUALIFIED
A sharp and thought-provoking short film exploring identity, expectations, and the pressure to prove that you belong, as a young woman confronts the labels and assumptions placed upon her.
-
Director: Sherry Rashidan
-
Country: United States
-
Language: English
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Drama
1
SEAT AT THE TABLE
SEAT AT THE TABLE chronicles the rise of South Asian Americans in U.S. politics, following groundbreaking campaigns during the 2024 elections and revealing how a community once pushed to the margins is reshaping America’s political future.
-
Director: Sarita Khurana, Yoav Attias
-
Country: United States
-
Language: English & Hindi
-
Film Type: Feature
-
Genre: Political Documentary
SEAT AT THE TABLE
SEAT AT THE TABLE chronicles the rise of South Asian Americans in U.S. politics, following groundbreaking campaigns during the 2024 elections and revealing how a community once pushed to the margins is reshaping America’s political future.
- Director: Sarita Khurana, Yoav Attias
-
Country: United States
-
Language: English & Hindi
-
Film Type: Feature
-
Genre: Political Documentary
1
WITNESS
A revered small-town imam faces a crisis of faith when he must choose between upholding the values of his mosque and protecting the safety and spiritual belonging of a male congregant.
-
Director: Saif Jaan, Radha Mehta
-
Country: United States
-
Language: English
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Drama
WITNESS
A revered small-town imam faces a crisis of faith when he must choose between upholding the values of his mosque and protecting the safety and spiritual belonging of a male congregant.
-
Director: Saif Jaan, Radha Mehta
-
Country: United States
-
Language: English
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Drama
1
SUNNA
When sudden hearing loss shatters her identity, a young Indian musician is left in silence until the echoes of memory, touch, and culture help her reclaim music and herself.
-
Director: Ali Kaygisiz
-
Country: Turkey
-
Language: Turkish
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Comedy
SUNNA
When sudden hearing loss shatters her identity, a young Indian musician is left in silence until the echoes of memory, touch, and culture help her reclaim music and herself.
-
Director: Ali Kaygisiz
-
Country: Turkey
-
Language: Turkish
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Comedy
1
Thursday Special
After 27 years of marriage and a shared love for food, a couple’s cherished Thursday ritual becomes a quiet reflection on love, companionship, and the inevitability of change.
- Director: Varun Tandon
- Cast: Anubha Fatehpuria, Ramakant Daayama
-
Country: India
-
Language: Hindi
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Drama, Romance
Thursday Special
After 27 years of marriage and a shared love for food, a couple’s cherished Thursday ritual becomes a quiet reflection on love, companionship, and the inevitability of change.
- Director: Varun Tandon
- Cast: Anubha Fatehpuria, Ramakant Daayama
-
Country: India
-
Language: Hindi
-
Film Type: Short Film
-
Genre: Drama, Romance
