No respite in sight for cinema industry
Cultural activities have commenced across Punjab after the coronavirus lockdown was lifted, but cinemas across the province are still closed.
Along with cultural programmes, exhibitions by well-known artists and stage plays are being organised.
Besides online classes in various fields of art, discussion programmes on various topics have also resumed. However, the cinema industry remains affected the most in the wake of the pandemic.
Commenting on the situation, Film Distributors Association Chairman Chaudhry Ejaz Kamran said the coronavirus has affected not only Pakistan but the entire world in all spheres of life.
“But the Pakistani film industry has also faced a major challenge in competing for cinema halls and the audience in the modern time,” he said. “The lure of imported Indian films blinded them so much that they only preferred monetary gains, due to which Pakistani films suffered a lot,” he added.
He maintained that the cinema management showed films of their choice but the money was not paid regularly. That is why many Pakistani filmmakers faced financial difficulties due to payment issues and moved away from the sector.
“Now the situation is that there are cinemas but they do not have films for screening,” said Kamran. “If they had paid the money to the filmmakers on time, many films would be in theatres today,” he added.
According to him, this is the reason of the decreasing number of cinemas. “The government has to play its role in this regard,” he remarked.
Pakistan's cinema industry in dire straits before Eid
Meanwhile, actress Meera announced a plan to perform a stage play in Okara but decided to abandon it even before work began. She said such a production might tarnish her image and the media should support her.
Lahore Arts Council (LAC) Executive Director Saman Rai said the organisation had always strived to promote all fields of art.
“Even in the current situation, our institution is holding online classes and there was also a colourful online programme on the occasion of September 6, in addition to an exhibition of paintings, while other programmes are also running regularly.
We try to tailor the programmes to benefit the people and give them an opportunity to be entertained in their homes,” said Rai.
Moreover, Presidential Award-winning Actor Rashid Mahmood, who has been working in various fields of performing arts for 40 years, has announced that he will not work with PTV in the future. In a video message, he said, “Today, inflation is on the rise and remuneration has risen everywhere but unfortunately PTV still wants to pay the amount fixed 40 years ago, which is unacceptable for me.”
Published in The Express Tribune, September 15th, 2020.