Way to go: Delegation of Pakistani film-makers returns from China

Both countries eager to start co-productions, exchange projects and hold film festivals

LAHORE: Local cinema owners have been suffering at large, amid the boycotting of Indian films in Pakistan. While it seems close to impossible for the ban to be uplifted any time soon, film exhibitors, producers and directors have been searching ways to counter the turmoil. In this connection, a delegation of Pakistani film-makers and other industry stakeholders visited China recently to foster co-production between the neighbouring countries.

Pakistan Film Distributors Association chairman Ejaz Kamran, senior directors Syed Noor and Shahzad Rafique and singer Waris Baig were among the prominent personalities who went to China. They held discussions with famous actors and film-makers. It seems as though these meetings were fruitful as they have already decided to organise film festivals in both countries next year. Blockbuster Pakistani films will be screened at the festival in China in July 2017, while the dates for the festival in Pakistan remain undecided for now.



“Pakistani cinema is passing through a crucial time as we are struggling for its survival.  People who have invested in the cinema business cannot deal with the ban on Indian films anymore,” Kamran told The Express Tribune, adding that the idea of film festivals is a step in the right direction. “During our meetings with Chinese exhibitors and film personalities, we discussed various issues regarding co-production and the import of films in both countries. The people did show interest in co-production.”

Noor also mentioned that their primary aim for now is to arrange the festival in China. “I am personally very happy and satisfied after visiting China. There are very helpful people there and we will not stop working on the idea of co-production. I feel it will benefit both countries,” he noted.

However, as the language barrier between China and Pakistan is a major obstacle, Kamran suggested the setting up of film labs, dubbing Urdu films in Chinese and recruiting officials who are fluent in Chinese. “We need government support for this. China has a big film circuit and big cinemas. They are not so well equipped either but the fact that they are showing interest in this is a positive sign.”

Baig echoed Kamran’s sentiments as well. Confident about the success of co-productions and exchange of films between the two countries, he said, “We visited China with a lot of hope and came back satisfied. Our aim was to meet with well-reputed cinema personalities there and we did. But, we just need government support.”



According to the singer, the project can be extremely beneficial to Pakistani film. “China is a big country in terms of population and film technology and if we start co-productions with them, there is no way we’ll be left behind. If even one million people in China start watching our films, we will make good business.” He went on to say that cinema-goers will get back on track if we rope in Chinese actors in local films. “Just two to three Chinese artists in our films and vice versa will attract the audience from both countries to go watch the films. This is what we need for the survival of our theatres. We need cooperation from both sides and to keep pushing forward.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 30^th, 2016.

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