This year, for the first time, the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in the Republic of Bulgaria took part in the festival of cinema from the Middle East, Central Asia, and North Africa.

The film selected to represent Pakistani cinema at the event - Beyond the Wetlands - sparked strong interest among the audience at the House of Cinema on January 22, 2026. Ambassadors and diplomats, representatives of academia, students, and citizens attended to honor Pakistan Night.

Before the screening, H. E. Mr. Modasar Chaudhry, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Republic of Bulgaria, welcomed guests and attendees and spoke with them about Pakistani cinema over a cup of the famous Pakistani "Karak Chai," along with snacks and refreshments.

Later, in his opening remarks on stage, he expressed gratitude to everyone for their interest in the film, especially considering that it is not a commercial production and that its participants are real residents of the village where the story takes place, rather than professional actors.

The film Beyond the Wetlands (2025), directed by Arsalan Majid, tells the story of two friends - Zain and Rehan, from the hot southern port city of Karachi, who work at a research center. They are assigned to travel to the Hushe Valley in the Karakoram, near the K2 base camp - the second highest peak on Earth (after Everest), to study snow cover levels. There, in extreme subzero temperatures, they conduct research on how climate change and global warming affect glaciers. Rehan ascends the mountain, while Zain remains in the village to keep records. During Rehan’s final phone call, the connection is lost. The men from the village organize a difficult rescue operation to search for him among the snowy peaks of the Karakoram, risking their lives.

The film portrays the hospitality of the people of the Hushe Valley, who, despite not living luxurious lives, are generous and ready to do everything possible to help their guest researchers.

"I wanted to tell the story of people who risk their lives to touch the skies. I am very happy that this is the first feature film shot in the K2 region," shared director Arsalan Majid.

Photo: Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in the Republic of Bulgaria. Depicted: H. E. Mr. Modasar Chaudhry, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Republic of Bulgaria, welcoming the large audience in the presence of the festival organizers.