WHAT IS RŪNG FILM FEST?
The Rung Film Fest (RFF) is the first film festival in Houston, Texas that features works from Pakistani Independent filmmakers and creatives from around the world under one-roof. The Urdu language word "rūng" means "color." Color is our visual interpretation of how light bounces off surfaces. Films can mirror this facet of the visible spectrum by broadcasting narratives about people of color, thereby conveying their unique perspectives.

** The only festival for, of and by Pakistani American/heritage creatives.
** Showcasing stories from the lens of Pakistani creatives.
** Open to submissions from anywhere around the world.
** Supported by Pakistani American Hollywood actors,
• FARAN TAHIR (Iron Man, Star Trek) and
• KAMRAN SHAIKH (Outer Banks, Karate Kid, The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey)
• IQBAL THEBA (Seinfeld, Glee, Deli Boys)

WHY SHOULD I SUBMIT TO RFF?
RFF is the only festival in North American who will ever feature majority of the films exclusively from filmmakers of Pakistani heritage. We're open to all genres and a well qualified jury of successful filmmakers and producers will judge your submissions.
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If you believe you have great work and plan to make a career in films and entertainment but aren't ready for the big guns, you need to submit your indie film to RFF. Let us be the judge. You might win!
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TELL YOUR STORIES WITH CONFIDENCE!
Rūng Film Fest's mission is to be more inclusive and equitable in our selection of films and provide invaluable resources through education and workshops. We're bringing scholarly guest speakers from film, media, and related artistic disciplines for an enriched audience experience. You will participate in panels, and interactive discussions during the festival and mentorship programs throughout the year to continue advancing your skills.

* Grand Jury winners are awarded TROPHY! *
* Audience Choice winners are awarded TROPHY! *

Rung Film Festival is a part of the Indus Arts Council's programming.

Awards & Prizes

Grand Jury Award for Best Feature Narrative.
Grand Jury Award for Best Feature Documentary.
Grand Jury Award for Best Short Narrative
Grand Jury Award for Best Short Documentary

Audience Choice Award for Best Feature Narrative.
Audience Choice Award for Best Feature Documentary.
Audience Choice Award for Best Short Narrative.
Audience Choice Award for Best Short Documentary.

Honorable Mentions for all categories, feature, short and students.

Rules & Terms

Eligibility (all films must meet 2 of the 3 listed eligibility conditions):
1. All filmmakers are eligible to participate as long as the cast or crew member of the film includes at least 1 individual of Pakistani heritage (from any country)
OR
2. A minimum of 2 sentences from Urdu/Sindhi/Punjabi/Pashtu/Balochi/Hindko or any regional language from Pakistan, in the script, scene, song, and/or as part of the background score.
OR
3. Films must be completed within the last 3 years, from 2022 - 2025.

Please note that film will not be eligible that are available online/streaming for anyone to see. Such as YouTube, Facebook or other online platforms.

Submission Format: RFF will only accept digital submissions through FilmFreeway.com. All submissions must include the film title, director's name, duration, and any additional materials requested.

Submission Fee: RFF requires a fee for each submission. Submission fees are nonrefundable Refer to "Categories & Fees" section.
In-person attendance at the Rung Film Fest and Awards is encouraged (RFF is planned for May 16th and 17th, 2026 in Houston, Texas).

Deadlines: Refer to "Categories & Fees" section.

Language and Subtitles: Films with audio recorded in a language other than English must provide English subtitles when submitting the films.

Rights and Permissions: Submissions must have rights and permissions for all content in the film, including music, images, and other copyrighted media. RFF may ask for proof of clearance during the submission process.

Supporting Materials: RFF may request additional materials such as a director's statement, synopsis, stills, banners, social media tags, or a trailer. It is recommended that submissions include these materials in the required format to enhance the chances of selection.

Privacy Policy:
We at Rung Film Festival (RFF) are committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. Your submission authorizes RFF to use, distribute, and share the film poster, trailer, synopsis, and movie stills on our social media.
3 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Yasir Raza

    Rūng Film Festival was such a meaningful experience for us as filmmakers. The team genuinely cares about cinema, community, and creating a space for South Asian and independent voices to be seen and celebrated. From communication to programming to the actual event experience, everything felt thoughtful, welcoming, and filmmaker-focused.

    Screening our feature film Jyoti in Houston alongside such passionate audiences and fellow filmmakers was incredibly special. The festival created real conversations around the work, and you could feel how much love and effort went into building this platform. Winning the Grand Jury Award for Best Narrative Feature made the experience even more unforgettable for our team.

    If you’re a filmmaker looking to put your work in front of a larger audience while also making valuable industry and creative connections, Rūng is absolutely the place to be. It’s more than just a festival screening, it genuinely feels like a growing community for bold independent storytelling

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • Aishah Iqbal

    Another year of incredible connection and value from the Rung Film Fest! Last year I had the honor of being a panel member at the festival, and this year the honor continued with my short documentary receiving an honorable mention from the Grand Jury and an Audience Choice award as well. The folks at Indus Arts Council and countless volunteers made the weekend a special one.

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • Ali Imran Zaidi

    Such a hospitable festival. We were fortunate enough to take the Grand Jury prize for our narrative short, and it was great to see and connect with the Pakistani film and arts community in Houston. And all the screenings were full!

    May 2026
    Helpful