The Pakistan Film Society is set to host an intimate film screening of the acclaimed Iranian film Children of Heaven (1997) directed by Majid Majidi, in both Lahore and Islamabad on April 12. As part of its upcoming programme, the society will present the movie alongside a guided discussion, offering attendees the opportunity to exchange perspectives and connect with fellow cinephiles.
The film follows the story of nine-year-old Ali, who loses the only pair of shoes belonging to his younger sister, Zahra, while running errands. Rather than telling their parents, the siblings devise a plan to share Ali’s trainers. Through this poignant narrative, Majidi explores themes of resilience, poverty, and the quiet strength of sibling bonds.
A Cinematic Masterpiece
Children of Heaven was the first Iranian film to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. It has since become one of the most beloved films in Iranian cinema, known for its tender storytelling, stunning cinematography, and universal themes that transcend cultural boundaries.
The film’s portrayal of childhood, poverty, and family responsibility resonates with audiences across the world. Majid Majidi’s direction captures the innocence of children while never shying away from the harsh realities of economic struggle. The film’s famous final scene — in which Ali’s worn-out trainers are juxtaposed with a fish-filled pool — has become one of cinema’s most memorable endings.
The Pakistan Film Society
Founded by two storytellers with a shared passion for cinema — known on Instagram as “noonmeeem” — the Pakistan Film Society provides a space for film enthusiasts to watch, learn, and create together. The community-driven platform is dedicated to bringing together filmmakers and audiences into the same space through weekly curated screenings, exclusive film nights, networking events, and hands-on workshops.
The society aims to foster collaboration, encouraging creatives to share their work, connect with audiences, and grow collectively. With a mission to revive cinema culture, the organisers emphasise the importance of communal viewing experiences by bringing people together to engage with film in a meaningful and interactive way.
The founders also run “The Siro Space”, a cinema platform based in Frankfurt, Germany, extending their passion for film curation to an international audience.
Guided Discussions
In addition to the screening, the Pakistan Film Society will host a guided discussion, allowing attendees to share their perspectives on the film’s themes, storytelling techniques, and cultural significance. These discussions are designed to deepen the viewing experience and foster connections among film enthusiasts.
Reviving Cinema Culture in Pakistan
The Pakistan Film Society’s efforts come at a time when cinema culture in Pakistan is experiencing a revival. With the rise of streaming platforms, communal viewing experiences have become increasingly rare. The society aims to bring back the magic of watching films together — discussing, debating, and discovering new perspectives in shared spaces.
By screening international classics like Children of Heaven alongside contemporary Pakistani cinema, the society hopes to broaden audiences’ cinematic horizons and foster a deeper appreciation for global storytelling.
Event Details
Lahore: The screening will take place on April 12 at a venue to be announced. Interested attendees are encouraged to follow the Pakistan Film Society’s social media channels for updates.
Islamabad: The screening will also take place on April 12, with details to be announced.
Seats are limited, and the organisers encourage early registration to secure a spot.
Analysis: Building a Film Community
The Pakistan Film Society’s screening of Children of Heaven represents more than just a film showing — it is an effort to build a community of cinephiles in Pakistan. By bringing people together to watch and discuss films, the society is reviving the communal aspect of cinema that has been lost in the age of streaming.
The choice of Children of Heaven is significant. The film’s universal themes of poverty, family, and resilience resonate with Pakistani audiences, while its status as an Iranian masterpiece introduces viewers to the richness of Persian cinema.
The guided discussion adds value, transforming a passive viewing experience into an active exchange of ideas. For aspiring filmmakers, these discussions offer insights into storytelling techniques. For casual viewers, they deepen appreciation for the art form.
As the society grows, it has the potential to become a hub for Pakistan’s film community — a place where filmmakers can screen their work, audiences can discover new voices, and everyone can share their love of cinema.
