Director/ Screen Play: Celine Song

Awards: Academy Award Nominations: Best Picture, Original Screenplay

Cast: Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, John Magaro, Moon Seung-ah, Leem Seung-min, Yun Ji-hye

'The Korean belief of "in-yeon" says if you meet someone- even briefly- it means you also met in a past life, and lovers are people who have met over and over in their past lives...'

A boy and a girl- 12-year old school friends in South Korea- develop a crush on each other. However, she immigrates to Canada with her parents and they lose touch with each other. Twelve years later - she (Greta Lee) is living in New York while he (Teo Yoo) has finished military school. By chance they reconnect via Facebook and start chatting on Skype- although after sometime- feeling her focus on becoming a writer is waning, she suggests they move on with their lives...

Time goes by and she is now a playwright married to a Jewish-American writer (John Magaro), while he is in China learning Mandarin, and with a girlfriend. He visits New York on the pretext of a vacation, but in reality to meet her. They connect again, and she eventually introduces him to her husband . During a conversation, the three characters each discover what the universe planned for them, and what plans it has for their future...

A deeply felt humane film, it has deep currents running through each layer ,which first-time director Celine Song presents in a very simple matter-of-fact manner. The perceptive screenplay focuses on how culture plays such a huge role in a person's psyche. The superbly shot film has many moments captured during the outdoors in New York ,as well as in the end at the restaurant ,where the camera placement captures the three characters in both isolation ,as well as with a strong sense of intimacy...

• In collaboration with Alliance Francaise

*** NOC is required for foreigners ***

Friday to Sunday

23 - 25 Aug

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 early summer climate of Shogran is pleasantly cold in May.

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). We have planned two options within the same trip.

Option-I

For participants that are interested in easy walks Shogran and day excursion trip to Sari Paya by Jeep.

Option-II

For hardcore hikers who will climb Makra Mountain from Paya.

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 jeep to Sari and Paya. Group members interested in Option-Iwill 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. This group will come back to Shogran by 4x4 jeeps in the afternoon will be free for rest and recreation.

The hikers group (availing option-II) will go to Paya by 4x4 jeep and climb Makra Mountain (3,885m). They will return to Shogran in late afternoon and spend the night at the hotel.

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.

The magical world of night cycling!

Join us for a summertime 'night' ride around the Constitution Avenue and check out on the beautifully lit buildings... somehow it all looks so different!

There are many benefits that come with cycling at night that can have a positive effect on your mind, body, and soul, such as dealing with less traffic and increased fitness!

Shakarparian (Urdu: شکر پڑیاں; also known as Shakarparian Hills) is a hill and a national park area. This hill 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.

Summer Time: Bring along your family & friends and join us on an early morning ride around Shakarparian to take in the fresh environment.

Looking forward to an active participation!

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.

*** NOC is required for foreigners ***

There are lots of old forest rest houses built by the the British in our mountains. 'Sattu Bangla" (Bungalow) is one of them. Situated at a very scenic hilltop in the Abbottabad region, it gives us great panoramic views of the mountains of North as well.

We will gather at the meeting point (United Bakery Parking at F-6) and go on a chartered coaster bus.

The hike starting point is near Thandiani in Abbottabad.

Distance: 18Km

Elevation Gain: 700m/2200ft

Hike Rating: Strenuous (because of the distance)

Wear sturdy shoes; bring refreshments. Also do not forget your camera/phone as you do not want to miss taking shots of the beautiful views!

Deadline for Registration: June 30, 2024

Please Note: People who have not registered will not be allowed to join the hike.

*** NOC is required for foreigners ***

Saturday to Wednesday

Group-1

06 – 10

July

Group-2

20 – 24 July

A lifetime opportunity for adventure and nature lovers!

Nanga Parbat (8126m) is the second highest mountain peak of Pakistan and ninth highest in the world. Its base camp is one the most beautiful and most accessible base camps of any 8000-meter peaks, 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. It isOn 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.).

Tour Itinerary:

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 a nature walk, photography and spend time at leisure. Overnight stay in wooden huts/tents at Fairy Meadows. Dinner around a 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. End of trip.

*** NOC is required for foreigners ***

6 days /5 nights: Saturday- Thursday

Group-1

22 – 27 June

Group-2

24 – 29 August

Hunza Valley is one of the most picturesque and culturally rich regions of Gilgit- Baltistan.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, 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: Flight to Islamabad.

'Between Africa, America and Pakistan, Heart Tantrums and Brain Tumors' is a unique story of identity and belonging, misogyny and motherhood, patriarchy and partnership. Its searing honesty and political passion reveal one woman's battle to redefine the rules--by fighting for, and sometimes with, the man she loves...

When Aisha Sarwari moved to America as a young woman, she set out to create her own identity and story. Born in Uganda, she had never lived in South Asia, yet struggled to reconcile the cultural expectation to be a "good Muslim girl" with her desire for equality and acceptance.
After she met Yasser, a Pakistani law student, they returned to their ancestral country and married. Little did they know that a brain tumor would become a near-lethal third wheel in their relationship. The cancer gnawed at Yasser's personality, provoking aggressive outbursts. Was the illness still the explanation for his violence, or had it become an excuse? Aisha began to see their marriage within a bigger picture--of an oppressive society, and of the tug between feminist principles and personal happiness...

Check out Islamabad at night!

Its summer time and cycling at night gives a whole new perspective to the city, so step out and become part of the scene- a night ride experience not to be missed!

For those of you interested in 'Comparative Cultures' coupled with a bit of adventure, this is an opportunity for you to check out what the Capital has to offer!

Join us to learn about Miracles Trust’s flagship initiatives- Sunny Miracles & Paper Miracles!

Sunny Miracles is transforming lives with its “green” technology using solar dryers to preserve fruits and vegetables. You will get an opportunity to taste and enjoy delicious 'Halwa' made from sun-dried carrots!

Paper Miracles is an innovative upcycling initiative .Its vision is to positively impact the lives of marginalized women as a self-sustaining social enterprise, specializing in distinctly quality hand-crafted recycled paper products. The beneficiaries transform waste paper into exquisite handmade paper bead products. We will make our own very 'special' jewelry piece from recycled paper .Those of you who are feeling particularly creative can also attend an optional programme and design your very own special momento bracelet using the Paper Miracles paper beads!