It is utterly disappointing to see the senior film fraternity being negatively critical towards the film
PESHAWAR: Recently, a multilingual telefilm titled Project Peshawar premiered in Peshawar. Having locals work in the film as actors, directors and musicians, it is heartening to see such a venture from a region known for its austere and confining cultural norms. Revolving around the love of a British national and a Peshawar-based girl that later turns out to be a trap for the former, the story of the film seems interesting enough to attract audiences of varying age groups. The tourism wing of the K-P government too was supportive enough to provide the film with necessary assistance for the premiere. However, the film received its unjustified share of criticism and backlash from senior TV and film actors, regarding it as anti-national.
To search for the anti-state element in the film is beyond the cognisance of a layman, as the film, on the one hand, brings up the dark side of social media and on the other, is an effective medium to show the scenic beauty, historical sites, culture and lifestyle of the region across the world, as the film will be premiered internationally too.
It is utterly disappointing to see the senior film fraternity being negatively critical towards the film. Further, while media regulatory bodies like Pemra and the film censor board regulate anti-state or vulgar content, the government should take measures to equally support the medium promoting the positive image of the country.
Hana Zunair
Published in The Express Tribune, September 11th, 2017.
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