The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has selected Pakistani short film Permanent Guest (Mustaqil Mehmaan) for its world premiere this year. Written and directed by Sana Jafri, the film will represent Pakistan at one of the world’s most prestigious cinema platforms.
Set in Lahore, the story follows Fatin, a 26-year-old preparing for a neighbourhood wedding with her mother, Yasmeen. Their plans are disrupted by the unexpected arrival of Fatin’s uncle, Shabeer, whose presence reopens painful memories. The narrative explores how past trauma continues to shape lives, particularly within the confines of family structures.
The cast features Rasti Farooq, Nadia Afgan, Salman Shahid, Ali Tahir, and Hiba-i-Zahra. According to TIFF’s description, the film confronts the lasting effects of childhood sexual abuse in South Asian households and the culture of silence that often surrounds such experiences.
Jafri, who previously worked on Joyland as co-producer and casting director, described the short as a reflection on intergenerational silence—where older relatives often dismiss or normalize issues that younger members continue to struggle with.
Funded entirely through crowdfunding, Permanent Guest received support from contributors in Pakistan and the diaspora, without backing from state institutions or major investors.
The film marks a milestone for Pakistan at TIFF, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Jafri becomes the first Pakistani woman to debut a short film at the festival, following earlier Pakistani entries Darling by Saim Sadiq and Bhai by Zarrar Khan.
