US Embassy Screens ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ in Islamabad
Islamabad – 25 September, 2026 (Adnan Hameed): The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad organized a special screening of the science-fiction action film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story at its center USEFP in Islamabad on Wednesday, as part of an initiative to introduce regular movie screenings and provide audiences with opportunities to explore films, technology, culture and contemporary themes through cinema.
The event was hosted by Teresa M. Morris, Public Engagements Advisor at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, who welcomed the participants and introduced the Embassy’s initiative to organize movie screenings on a regular basis.
Released in 2016 and directed by Gareth Edwards, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is set before the events of Star Wars: A New Hope and follows a group of unlikely heroes who undertake a mission to obtain the plans of the powerful Death Star.
The film revolves around Jyn Erso, portrayed by Felicity Jones, and her father Galen Erso, portrayed by Mads Mikkelsen. Galen is a brilliant scientist whose expertise is exploited by the Galactic Empire in developing the Death Star’s superlaser. He secretly builds a weakness into the weapon, adding a powerful human and moral dimension to the story.
The movie deeply engaged the audience through its outstanding graphics and visual effects, spectacular space sequences, intense action scenes, futuristic technology, spacecraft, robotics and its depiction of advanced scientific and technological capabilities. Its portrayal of different planets, space missions and futuristic technologies created a visually impressive experience for viewers.
Beyond its action and science-fiction elements, the film also explores themes of family, sacrifice, courage, resistance, responsibility and the consequences of using advanced technology for destructive purposes. These emotional and human elements touched the hearts of the audience and added depth to the cinematic experience.
Following the screening, Paul Giblin, Public Diplomacy Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, briefed the audience about the movie, its storyline, characters and major themes. He also conducted an interactive discussion with participants, asking questions about their impressions of the film and inviting them to share their opinions about the movie and the U.S. Embassy’s initiative to organize film screenings in Pakistan.
Participants appreciated the initiative and welcomed the opportunity to watch an internationally acclaimed film in an environment that encouraged discussion, cultural engagement and interaction.
The screening highlighted the role of cinema as a powerful tool for public diplomacy, cultural exchange and people-to-people engagement, while providing audiences with an opportunity to experience international cinema and discuss its messages, technology and universal human values.
