Iran hopes for joint film venture with Pakistan

Damascus Times screened at PNCA in an event commemorating 40 years of Iranian cinema

ISLAMABAD: With the film industry in Pakistan witnessing a mini-resurgence, Iran on Friday expressed its desire to jointly produce a movie with its eastern neighbour.

This was expressed by the Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Ali Hosseini on Friday during an event to celebrate 40 years of Iranian film and cinema industry. The event, which included the screening of an Iranian film, was held at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA).

The envoy shed light on the historical background of Iranian cinema and the place they hold in the world. He added that Iranian producers have been making world-class films based on historical and social issues.

Pakistan and Iran are cooperating in many areas and we would like to initiate a joint film venture and share expertise in the field, Hosseini expressed.

He added that relations between Tehran and Islamabad are centuries old and both countries are bonded through religious and cultural similarities.

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said that Pakistan is working to unite the Muslim Ummah and wants stability in the region.

Handling the media portfolio, Awan said that films play an important role in projecting the sociocultural fabric and traditions of a society.

Iranians are committed to their ideology and are facing challenges through dedication and hard work, she added.

PNCA Director General Dr Fouzia Saeed appreciated the remarkable role played by Iranian cinema in the world.

Iranian film has reflected the true picture of human relations and has set a standard for the world, she said, adding that Iranian films provide a chance to peep into the life of a nation, community and area.

I hope this interaction will continue, Dr Saeed hoped.

Later, the Iranian film “Damascus Times” was screened. The film has been directed by Ebrahim Hatamikia and shows two Iranian pilots who were on a special mission to save the people of a small Syrian city surrounded by the terrorists. However, they have to face many challenges and difficulties before managing to accomplish their mission.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 8^th, 2020.