Foundation Film Festival Showcases Romanian Documentary The King’s War in Collaboration with the Embassy of Romania to Pakistan

Foundation Film Festival Showcases Romanian Documentary The King’s War in Collaboration with the Embassy of Romania to Pakistan

On May 27, 2025 Islamabad, The Department of Arts and Media at Foundation University Islamabad (FUI), in collaboration with the Embassy of Romania, proudly hosted the Foundation Film Festival 2025, a dynamic celebration of cinematic arts that featured the acclaimed Romanian documentary The King’s War as a centerpiece.

The festival commenced with the arrival of His Excellency Dr. Dan Stoenescu, Ambassador of Romania to Pakistan. He was received by professor Dr. Qaiser Ali Malik, Director of Foundation University, School of Science and technology, along with Dr. Hina Shahid, Head of the Department of Arts and Media. Renowned artist and former Federal Minister for Culture, Mr. Jamal Shah, also attended as a distinguished guest. Furthermore, Zaildar Ahsan Shah, chairman of the Romania- Pakistan Friendship Association participated to the opening ceremony as well.

The ceremony commenced in the Bar Room with the recitation of the Holy Quran followed by a soulful Naat. President Wajid Gillani then formally addressed the gathering, offering high praise to Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan for his dynamic leadership. He paid tribute to the Governor's constitutional and democratic role, calling his visit a proud and symbolic moment for the bar community. The President highlighted the long-standing legacy of the Islamabad High Court Bar Association, which has been a frontline institution since its inception, with lawyers rendering remarkable sacrifices in the pursuit of justice and democracy.

In her welcome address, Dr. Hina Shahid emphasized the crucial role of arts and media in promoting narratives of peace during times of conflict. She highlighted the academic achievements and cultural outreach of the Department of Arts and Media, and announced the submission of 92 films across categories including short films, animated movies, and visual art. The highlight of the day was a special screening of The King’s War a Romanian historical documentary that delves into the pivotal role played by King Michael I of Romania during World War II.

In his keynote address, Ambassador Dr. Dan Stoenescu reflected on Romania’s complex geopolitical position during the war and its lasting impact on global order. He emphasized the importance of film, art, and theater in preserving national history and promoting dialogue

Ambassador Stoenescu also inaugurated a Romanian cultural exhibition, featuring a series of carefully curated collages of archival images and artifacts that portrayed Romania’s artistic legacy. The exhibition offered students and guests a unique visual journey through Romanian history and its post-Communist cultural evolution

Additionally, the ambassador visited the Indigenous Art Gallery, where the rich diversity of Pakistani cinema and fine arts was showcased by Foundation University’s students and curators. Dr. Stoenescu praised the depth and vibrancy of Pakistani artistic expression and acknowledged its role in strengthening cultural bridges between Romania and Pakistan.

Zaildar Ahsan Shah, Chairman of the Romania- Pakistan Friendship Association while speaking to media representatives, shared his remarks on the enduring and exceptional relations between Pakistan and Romania. He emphasized that the two countries enjoy a strong and promising bilateral relationship rooted in mutual respect and shared interests. He noted that the Pakistan-Romania Friendship Association has long been committed to promoting and strengthening ties between the two nations across various sectors including culture, tourism, business, education, and media.

Reflecting on a recent collaborative initiative, Zaildar Ahsan Shah stated that the primary objective was to introduce the people of Pakistan to the richness and vibrancy of Romanian culture. He expressed his sincere gratitude to the Ambassador of Romania for his gracious presence, which contributed greatly to the success of the event he remains confident that the Pakistan-Romania Friendship Association will continue to serve as a vital bridge working with even greater success to deepen and expand bilateral cooperation in the years ahead. He affirmed that under the Ambassador’s tenure, this partnership is destined to grow stronger, with expanded cooperation in culture, education, tourism, media, and beyond.

The event concluded with an award ceremony, where souvenirs were presented to honored guests and participants in recognition of their contributions to the festival