Film and Documentary Tours in Pakistan

Pakistan is a rich country with a geostrategic location for film and documentary makers looking for breathtaking views of nature, incredible landscapes, culture, heritage, tradition, religions, historical sites, the habitat of endangered animals, outdoor activities, and more. Gilgit Baltistan is famous for trekking, mountaineering, and adventure, while Pakistan boasts snow-capped peaks, lakes, rivers, diverse flora and fauna, temples, and stupas, making it ideal for film and documentary tours in Pakistan

Documentary filmmaking is becoming a center of attraction for filming destinations throughout the world. Those amazing landscapes, beautiful flora and fauna, and colorful cultural heritage of Pakistan have been attracting a good number of tourists as well as film crews from around the world. Many filmmakers come to Pakistan every year for making documentaries, TV series, commercials, and feature films. All those filmmakers and the production companies that are looking for a location that offers varieties of stories that includes culture, ethnicity, different face and races of peoples and cultures, adventure and landscapes have chosen Pakistan as the best documentary filming location.

Within its territory, anyone can feel different climates and experience a different culture after every 100km in practice. It is the homeland of ethnic groups, who speak 74 different languages or dialects.

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Explore Pakistan’s Experience with Film and Documentary Tours in Pakistan

The French film “Noor,” directed by Cagla Zencirci and Guillaume Giovanetti, was released in 2012. It tells the story of Noor, a Pakistani transgender woman who discovers a different life in the bustling city of Lahore. The film explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and the clash between tradition and modernity in Pakistani society. “Noor” received critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of gender identity and its depiction of Lahore’s vibrant cultural landscape. The production of “Noor” in Pakistan highlighted the country’s potential as a unique filming location for international filmmakers, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and providing opportunities for local talent to collaborate on an international production.

The film “Noor,” received several awards and nominations for its impactful storytelling and cinematic achievement. It won the Cineasti Del Presente Award Special Mention at the Locarno International Film Festival in 2012. Additionally, “Noor” received the Special Jury Prize at the Tokyo International Film Festival the same year. These accolades underscored the film’s critical success and its contribution to international cinema, particularly in its sensitive exploration of themes such as gender identity and cultural diversity in Pakistan.

Film Achievements: 

• Silk Road Film Festival Dublin 2014 – Best Feature Film, Best Director and Artistic Creation
• Medfilm Festival Rome – Jury Special Prize
• Arras Film Festival – Official Selection World Cinema
• Busan Film Festival – Official Selection World Cinema
• Festival des images aux mots Toulouse 2014 – Audience Award
• Festival MIX di cinema gaylesbico e queer culture Milan 2013 – Special Mention
• Dieppe Festival – Grand Prize
• Karlovy Vary Film Festival – Official Selection Forum of Independents
• Rio Film Festival – Official Selection Expectiations
• Vancouver International Film Festival 2013 – Best Performance
• Asian American International Film Festival New York 2013 – Best Fiction
• ACID Cannes – Official Selection
• Istanbul Films Festival – Official Selection New Visions

Full Documentary Film Production services 

Explore Pakistan has had the experience to work with different documentary and filmmakers from all over the world especially with the NHK (NDN) Japan and with filmmakers of France for many years. We can arrange projects, from simple location scouting to film production facilities and services, including scouting, casting, location permits, crew and equipment, logistics, travel, etc. based on your requirements and requests.

Incentives and official contacts

Based on our vast experience, Explore Pakistan has built contacts and a good working relation with many Government authorities. Depending on the requirements of your project, we have the facilities and knowledge you need to select the best location.

Filming Permit For Film and Documentary Tours in Pakistan

To get filming permits from the Ministry of Information and Communication, submission of the following documents is required:

• Application form
• Details of the filming theme and script.
• Crew members with passport copy and visa
• Equipment list with valuables for custom clearance.
• Itinerary details, including, starting date.
• Authorization letter from Explore Pakistan

Customs Clearance

For custom clearance of the filming equipment from out of Pakistan, one needs filming permits, along with an authority letter.  Explore Pakistan will prepare and provide all documents before you arrive in Pakistan. Our team members will be there to welcome you.

Filming Equipment

Most of the filming or documentary companies bring their necessary equipment like professional cameras and sound recording systems. Otherwise you can also hire equipment in Pakistan from cities like Karachi and Lahore.

Security For Film and Documentary Tours in Pakistan

Explore Pakistan will ensure the safety of you and your equipment.

Provision of accurate information in an emergency.

Others services

• Provision of production space and area for general and administrative work.
• Provision of 24-hour electricity back up, (If the shooting location is in a mountain area we will provide a generator for back up.
• Ensuring that all arrangements are established according to the tasks of filming program.
• Necessary paperwork, management of staff and members.
• Complete logistic service