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Past Programmes

Wednesday, 27 August 2025

Film Club - SUMMER CLASSICS: BONNIE & CLYDE (1967) - USA

Wednesday, 27 August 2025

Language: English

Duration: 1 hr 51 min

Director: Arthur Penn

Screenplay: Robert Benton & David Newman

Academy Award Nominations: Best Picture, Director (Arthur Penn), Actor (Warren Beatty), Actress (Faye Dunaway), Supporting Actor (Gene Hackman), Supporting Actor (Michael J. Pollard), Screenplay & Costume Design

Academy Award wins: Supporting Actress (Estelle Parsons), Cinematography

Cast: Warren Beatty, Faye Dunaway, Gene Hackman, Estelle Parsons, Michael J. Pollard, Gene Wilder, Denver Pyle, Evans Evans

A landmark American film that uniquely combined European art-house aesthetics with mainstream Hollywood cinematics.

The film came with the tagline:"They’re young. They’re in love. They rob banks...’ It is a film containing dynamic power that stays fresh with each viewing !

Warren Beatty stars in this gangster film as small-time bank robber Clyde Barrow who joins up with Faye Dunaway as bored small-town waitress Bonnie Parker, to embark on a series of violent robberies in the Depression-era American Mid-West. Their legendary crime spree captures the newspaper headlines and catches the imagination of the American public. Both seemed to have the knack of entertaining people. Bonnie wrote ballads and mailed them in with pictures Clyde took with his Kodak. They seemed to consider themselves public servants, bringing a little sparkle to the poverty and despair of the Dust Bowl during the early Depression years. In the public's eye they were celebrated specifically as heroic bank robbers and were seen as a modern-day version of Robin Hood's gang.

The film is a milestone in the history of American movies and one of the definitive films of the 1960s. It paved the way not only for more realistic crime drama but also for a more open and mature interpretation of life and crime.

Thursday, 14 August 2025

Cycling - 'INDEPENDENCE DAY' CELEBRATIONS!

Thursday, 14 August 2025

Looking forward to an active participation!

Unity, Faith & Discipline is the guiding principle of Pakistan and this Independence Day we pay homage to our homeland by an"Azadi Ride"- whereby leading sports clubs of Islamabad will come together for a run, walk and ride.

All runs & rides shall converge at the iconic landmark of Chand Tara Shakarparian at 6 AM for the National Anthem. And after that we will start the ride.

Those returning during the ride please inform the coordinators.

It is an easy ride and it’s on the road so all kinds of bicycle can join.

Wednesday, 13 August 2025

Film Club - SUMMER CLASSICS: BORGA (2023) Language: French (with English subtitles)

Wednesday, 13 August 2025

Language: French (with English subtitles)

Duration: 1 hr 58 min

Director: Stéphane Demoustier

Screenplay: Stéphane Demoustier & Pascal Garbarini

César Award: Best Actress (Hafsia Herzi)

Cast: Hafsia Herzi, Moussa Mansaly, Louis Memmi, Michel Fau, Pablo Pauly

Rating: PG-13

A breathtaking and captivating film is inspired by true events.

The film attempts to explore the thin line between good and evil and how sometimes dire life circumstances tip a person over to the dark side.

A prison guard Mélissa (Hafsia Herzi) is transferred to Borgo penitentiary center on the island of Corsica. She is accompanied by her husband and two children. The prison is composed mainly of Corsican inmates and operates under an open regime. Namely, the prisoners can freely roam as they please all day long, playing football, cards or doing bodybuilding. She manages to integrate into this unusual set-up thanks to a young inmate who seems to have influence there. However, when this inmate is released from prison he contacts Mélissa again to ask for a favour, which sets a dangerous plot in motion where she finds herself implicated in a double murder for which she is suspected of complicity.

  • In collaboration with Alliance Francaise d' Islamabad
Friday, 1 August 2025

Adventure Club /Photography/Trips: WEEKEND IN SHOGRAN, KAGHAN VALLEY

Friday, 1 August 2025

FOREIGNERS: CHECK FOR NOC REQUIREMENTS
Shogran, one of the most beautiful plateaus in Kaghan Valley is situated 219 km from Islamabad. It takes about five hours to reach here via Mansehra, Balakot and Kawai. Surrounded by thick pine forests and with an altitude of 2,362m, the summer climate of Shogran is pleasantly cold. From Shogran you have a breathtaking view of Kaghan Valley’s snow covered peaks such as Musa Ka Musalla (4,419m), Makra (3,885m) and Malika Parbat (5,290m).
Programme:
On Friday morning we will drive in a van to Shogran with couple of photo/refreshment stops en route. Shogran will be our base station where we will stay for two nights in a comfortable hotel. Afternoon will be free to walk around Shogran to enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery.
On Saturday, we will go by 4x4 jeeps to Sari and Paya in one hour. Group members will walk around the place and enjoy the beautiful panoramic views of mountains from the ridge of Paya, Paya at 3,079 is a lush green meadow with spectacular view of Malika Parbat and other snow covered mountains of Kaghan Valley. We will come back to Shogran by 4x4 jeeps. Afternoon will be free for rest and recreation at Shogran.
On Sunday, morning will be free for rest and recreation in Shogran till 11.am. We will leave for Islamabad at around 11.30 am and reach Islamabad in the afternoon with a lunch stop at Abbottabad.

Wednesday, 23 July 2025

Film Club - SUMMER CLASSICS: DE GAULLE (2020) - France Language: French

Wednesday, 23 July 2025

Language: French (with English subtitles)

Duration: 1 hr 48 min

Director: Gabriel Le Boumin

Screenplay: Gabriel le Boumin & Valérie Ranson-Enguiale

César Award Nominations: Best Actor (Lambert Wilson), Production Design, Costume Design

Cast: Lambert Wilson, Isabelle Carré, Olivier Gourmet, Catherine Mouchette, Sophie Quinton, Tim Hudson, Pierre Hancisse, Gilles Cohen

Rating: PG-13

The film looks at the life of one of the 20th century's most important leaders, French President Charles de Gaulle (Lambert Wilson). The screenplay covers only the briefest of periods- albeit an important one- namely from April to June 1940. This was the time when the french government was considering negotiating an armistice with Nazi Germany but General de Gaulle refused to capitulate and sought help of England to come to his country's aid.

The film also examines de Gaulle's loving relationship with his family. He is the father of three childten, and the youngest has a severe mental disability. He is a devout Catholic and along with the unwavering love and support from his wife Yvonne (Isabelle Carré), he faces all manners of adversity.

  • In collaboration with Alliance Francaise d'Islamabad
Saturday, 19 July 2025

ADVENTURE CLUB/PHOTOGRAPHY/HIKING: FAIRY MEADOWS & TREKKING TO THE BASE CAMP OF NANGA PARBAT

Saturday, 19 July 2025

Foreigners - Check for NOC requirements!

A lifetime opportunity for adventure and nature lovers!

Nanga Parbat (8126m) is the second highest mountain peak of Pakistan and the 9th. highest in the world. Its base camp is one the most beautiful and most accessible base camps of any 8000-meter peak in the world. Fairy Meadows- named by German mountaineers- is an alpine pasture at an elevation of 3300 feet from sea level and offers excellent views of Nanga Parbat and other high peaks.
On this 5 days adventure trip planned in collaboration with Sustainable Tourism Foundation, we will take you to the Fairy Meadows side of Nanga Parbat. This area offers excellent trekking opportunities with lush green meadows, pine covered slopes and superb views of Nanga Parbat and other high peaks. On this trail, porters will carry the heavy luggage while you hike carrying your day pack to the Fairy Meadows camping site (an easy to moderate hike of about 3 hrs.).
Day 1: Departure from Islamabad at 05:00 a.m. for Chilas. Travel on Karakorum Highway in air conditioned transport and cover distance in about 11 to 12 hrs. with break for lunch and refreshments. Overnight stay at hotel in Chilas.
Day 2: Early Breakfast at hotel. Leave for Roikot Bridge (about 1 ½ hrs. drive). Roikot to Jhel on 4x4 jeeps (1 ½ hrs. jeep ride). Trek from Jhel to Fairy Meadows (3 to 4 hrs.). Those who are not interested in trekking can hire a pony to reach Fairy Meadows in about 3 hrs. Overnight stay in wooden huts/tents at Fairy Meadows.
Day 3: One day trekking excursion to explore Bial Camp and Nanga Parbat base camp (8 to 9 hrs. both ways) Those who are not interested to go on a long hike can stay back at Fairy Meadows and explore area around camping site and enjoy nature walk, photography and spend time at leisure. Overnight stay in wooden huts/tents at Fairy Meadows. Dinner around Bonfire.
Day 4: Breakfast at camping site. Enjoy morning hours to do photography, explore area towards Fantori or relax in the beautiful mountain environment. After lunch trek back to Jhel (easy downhill trekking of about 2 ½ hrs.). Jhel to Raikot bridge travel by 4x4 jeeps in 1 ½ hrs. Raikot to Chilas by van in another 1 ½ hrs.). Overnight stay at hotel in Chilas.
Day 5: Early morning departure for Islamabad. Travel on KKH via Dasu, Besham, Thakot, Mansehra and Abbottabad. Enroute stop for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Reach Islamabad at around 9:00 p.m.

Saturday, 12 July 2025

Cycling - RIDE TO SHAKARPARIAN

Saturday, 12 July 2025

Its summer time- bring along your family & friends and join us on an early morning ride around Shakarparian to take in the fresh environment!

Shakarparian ( also known as Shakarparian Hills) is also a national park area. It has a great importance in the history of Pakistan. There is a small monument to mark the spot where President Ayub Khan stood with other members and decided that this will be new capital of Pakistan. At a height of 609 meters, the terraced gardens offer pleasant and sweeping vistas of Margalla and Murree hills, Rawal Lake, Rawalpindi and Islamabad.Those returning during the ride please inform the coordinators. It is an easy ride and it’s on the road so all kinds of bicycle can join.

Looking forward to an active participation!

Wednesday, 9 July 2025

Film Club - SUMMER CLASSICS:HANNAH & HER SISTERS (1986) - USA - English

Wednesday, 9 July 2025

Language: English

Director: Woody Allen

Screenplay: Woody Allen

Academy Award Nominations: Best Film, Director (Woody Allen), Production Design & Editing

Academy Award Wins: Supporting Actor (Michael Caine), Supporting Actress (Dianne Wiest), Screenplay (Woody Allen)

Cast: Woody Allen, Michael Caine, Mia Farrow, Barbara Hershey, Max von Sydow, Dianne Wiest, Sam Waterston, Lloyd Nolan, Maureen O'Sullivan, Carrie Fisher

There is a profoundly old-fashioned, almost moral message behind the film and its themes of love, fidelity, hope, and the fragility of happiness which underpin the drama at the centre.

This is Woody Allen's most successful film - a dramatic comedy, influenced by Anton Chekov, with a sharp and witty script enhanced by superb performances. The plot follows the overlapping stories of three sisters as they drift in and out of each other's lives with increadingly disastrous consequenses. The youngest (Barbara Hershey) lives with her spiritual guru (Max von Sydow), a witty intellectual recluse bitterly disillusioned with modern life. The middle sister (Dianne Wiest) is a frantically neurotic girl-about-town chasing after money and success. The eldest (Mia Farrow) is an apparently stable actress married to a wealthy accountant ( Michael Caine) and reigning over a warm nuclear family. Her previous husband (Woody Allen) is a hypochondriac, and now romantically involved with the neurotic sister.

The film slowly progresses and exposes the layers of illusion which are lifted off to display the emotional fragility, betrayal, and tragedy underneath.

  • In collaboration with Alliance Francaise d'Islamabad
Saturday, 5 July 2025

Adventure Club/Photography & Trips – HUNZA, PASSU & and KHUNJRAB NATIONAL PARK

Saturday, 5 July 2025

FOREIGN MEMBERS : PLEASE APPLY FOR YOUR NOC WELL IN TIME!

5th-10th July

6 days /5 night

Hunza Valley one of the most picturesque and culturally rich region of Gilgit Baltistan. Situated in the norther region of Pakistan it is approximately a two hour drive from Gilgit city on the Karakoram Highway.
At an elevation of 2500 meters it is situated on the north/west of Hunza River and spread over 7900 square kilometers, it hosts a number of famous peaks of more than 6000 meter in height: Ultar, Rakaposhi, Diran, Golden Peak and Ladyfinger.
Itinerary
Day 1: Islamabad to Gilgit by morning flight.
Gilgit to Karimabad (Hunza). Sort stay at Rakaposhi View Point. Arrival at Hunza. Sightseeing and photography.

Overnight stay at selected hotel at Hunza.
Day 2: Full day to explore Hunza. Visit Duikar, Altit Fort, Baltit Fort and Ganaish. Overnight stay at Hunza.
Day 3: Full day trip to Upper Hunza. Visit Attabad Lake, Gulmit, Passu, Borit Lake and Khunjrab Pass. Return to Passu for night stay.
Day 4 Full day free to go for short hiking trip along Passu glacier or do local exploration around Passu
Day 5: Return travel to Gilgit. Enjoy scenic drive on KKH. Lunch en route at Rakaposhi View Point. Night stay at hotel at Gilgit
Day 6: Morning flight to Islamabad. End of tour....

Wednesday, 25 June 2025

Film Club - SUMMER CLASSICS: LE DERNIER METRO (1980) - France

Wednesday, 25 June 2025

Language: French (with English subtitles)

Director: François Truffaut

Screenplay: François Truffaut, Suzanne Schiffman & Jean-Claude Grumberg

César Awards: Best Film, Actor (Gérard Depardieu), Actress (Catherine Deneuve), Director (François Truffaut), Screenplay, Production Design, Cinematography, Music, Editing, Sound

Cast: Catherine Deneuve, Gérard Depardieu, Jean Poiret, Heinz Bennent, Andréa Ferréol, Paulette Dubost, Jean-Louis Richard, Sabine Haudpin, Maurice Risch, Richard Bohringer

Endearing and uplifting film shuns politics, it simply entertains and brings back sharp memories of Hollywood films about World War II, which were shot on sound stages inside studios.

Truffaut's film is set during the German occupation of Paris and the screenplay revolves around a theatre troupe rehearsing a play. An actor (Gérard Depardieu), who secretly works for the Resistance, is cast as the leading man in a new play being put up at a famous theatre. His leading lady (Catherine Deneuve) is not only the owner of the theatre but also the star actress. Her husband (Heinz Bennent), the theatre's director and a German jew, has escaped Nazi Germany and is now secretly hiding in the basement of the theatre from where he gives notes on the production to his wife who is the only person who knows he is there. The colourful characters surrounding the two actors are a flamboyant director (Jean Poiret), the young ingénue (Sabine Haudpin) who will do anything to get a part in the play, the stage manager (Maurice Risch), a temperamental costume designer (Andrea Férréol) and a powerful, extremely nasty pro-Nazi critic (John-Louis Richard).

The film not only deals with anti-semitism but is also a plea for tolerance as we witness the romantic intrigues, suspenseful moments with the Gestapo and a flourishing love triangle between the actress and the two men - her leading man on stage and her husband residing below the stage.

  • In collaboration with Alliance Francaise d'Islamabad
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