ISLAMABAD: A screening of INTERTANGO, a documentary by German filmmaker Hanne Weyh, was held in Islamabad on Thursday.

The screening was held at a local hotel in Islamabad by the German Embassy.

The screening was followed by a question-and-answer session with Ms Weyh and an open dance floor, where guests also enjoyed a short introductory tango lesson.

German Ambassador to Pakistan Ina Lepel welcomed the guests and expressed delight at the turnout. Highlighting the importance of intercultural exchange, she said, “When you mention tango, few people would think of either Germany or Pakistan, and yet INTERTANGO demonstrates in an impressive way how this beautiful dance and the emotions that come with it connect humans from Berlin to Karachi and from Buenos Aires to Milan.”

She then introduced Hanne Weyh, who said, “I am very, very happy to be here, and I thank German Ambassador Ina Lepel for her invitation to come to Pakistan to show my film. This is really the cream topping of what I can achieve because, as she has already said, the theme of the film is how tango can unite so many different cultures, even cultures that do not have couples dancing in their traditions.”

This is very important to know because tango is a dance that is very intimate, very close. It gives you a strong sense of us as human beings, she added.

Ms Weyh further said, “It is my deep belief that the body never lies. When you speak, you can pretend, but with your body it is different. I went to Buenos Aires and found four wonderful characters from very different cultures. I was able to persuade them to be in the movie, and this is the result.”

INTERTANGO explores tango as an intercultural phenomenon and a means of overcoming cultural barriers.

Filmed in Berlin, Karachi, Buenos Aires and other cities around the world, the documentary offers an intimate insight into the “emotional adventure trip” experienced by its protagonists.

The film follows Naoko from Japan, who became a tango DJ in Buenos Aires, Iftikhar from Pakistan, who discovered tango and began teaching it in Karachi and Mila and Rodrigo, who strive to balance their tango careers with their personal lives and aspirations.

Filmed in locations ranging from Buenos Aires, Moscow, Bologna, Turin and Berlin to Karachi, Bhit Shah and Sevan, the documentary captivated audiences with its vivid colours and dramatic yet complementary music.

While capturing the fascination, drama and addictive essence of tango, the documentary also portrayed the emotional journeys of its protagonists, highlighting the passion that drives the dancers.

Naoko, originally from Japan, visited Buenos Aires because of tango after losing her job in the United States. She eventually moved there and became an international tango DJ.

Iftikhar Shallwani from Pakistan, who had been working at the Pakistani Embassy in Buenos Aires, developed a deep interest in tango and later began teaching it in Karachi after returning home.

Mila Vigdorova from Moscow started dancing tango nearly 20 years ago when it gained popularity in Russia. She later became a professional dancer and established her own tango school in Moscow.

Rodrigo Fonti from Patagonia moved to Buenos Aires to pursue a career in tango dancing. During his journey, he met Mila and later moved with her to Russia.

The screening brought together people from different walks of life for a shared experience, much like tango itself, which transcends borders and cultures.

For many participants, tango was shown not merely as a dance form but as a powerful emotional and cultural connection that enriches lives across the world.

Published in Dawn, May 15th, 2026