The Pakistani movie industry in crisis?

[MenInG]

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain on Wednesday reiterated the government’s commitment to revive the film industry in Pakistan.

"New film policy will be announced next month," the federal minister shared, adding, "All major taxes on films will be abolished. Likewise, dramas and film businesses will get special benefits. Hope new film policy will go a long way to revive the Pakistani Film industry."


The decision was welcomed by the who's who of the Pakistani film industry. Mahira Khan, Fahad Mustafa, filmmakers Fizza Ali Meerza, Nabeel Qureshi, and others lauded the initiative.

"This is huge! I hope this actually happens. InshAllah," wrote the Raees star. "This is good news. Looking forward to the betterment of the industry overall," added Mustafa.

Na Maloom Afraad filmmakers Meerza and Qureshi, too, lauded the much-needed step."Finally, the moment all filmmakers have been waiting for," Meerza said while Qureshi added, "That's great news! All the filmmakers have been working on it for so long. I hope it gets materialised really soon! A lot of people will get benefit from it, [it will offer] a lot of job opportunities."


The announcement

The Pakistan Tahreek-e Insaf government had taken multiple initiatives like tax concessions and easing the process of obtaining a no-objection certificate (NOC) for filmmakers to boost the industry, had said during a meeting with a delegation of the Film Producers Association.

The delegation included Jerjees Seja, comprising Sheikh Amjad Rashid, Satish Anand, Chaudhry Ejaz Kamran, Fiza Ali Mirza, Irfan Malik and Badar Ikram, reported AP.

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Authority Chairman Asim Saleem Bajwa, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Youth Affairs Usman Dar, Chairman of Senate’s Standing Committee on Information Faisal Javed, Secretary Information Shahera Shahid, Director-General DEMP Imrana Wazir and Federal Bureau of Revenue officials were also present on the occasion.

Fawad said the government was fully encouraging the export of Pakistani films and underlined the need to enhance cooperation and collaboration in that regard with Saudi Arabia and China. He said film producers should form two focal groups in their association, one focusing on the Gulf countries and the other on China to export Pakistani films.

The minister noted that apart from being a popular source of entertainment, films were also considered to be an effective medium for education and awareness-raising. He vowed to put the film industry, which was in decline, on the path to revival.

The vibrant film industry was in need of the hour to promote positive thinking, enlightenment of thoughts, and eradicate intolerance in the society, he added. Films were an important source of highlighting the country’s culture, history, values, heritage and screen tourism, said the minister.

He underscored the need to promote a soft image of Pakistan across the globe. There was the need that the film industry should embrace modern technology and the latest trends like other industries for the creation of good content, he added. A proposal to encourage young filmmakers under the Kamyab Jawan Programme was under consideration, he observed. The meeting also finalised the film policy that had been delayed for a long time.

The backlash

However, Twitter had few reservations. "Really looking forward to this new policy, and if done right, this could be a gamechanger for Pakistan's media industry. Also hope this policy includes subsidies on technology for media," a user shared.

Another one added, "Also abolish PTA because our film culture will remain saas-bahu dramas and juvenile slapstick comedy until we stop banning anything with actual substance."

A user asked the minister to review the censor board and shared, "Sir pehle filmmakers ko PEMRA se bacha lein takay wou kuch acha content produce karskay hum romantic comedy dekh dekh kar thak gaye hain (Sir, first save the filmmakers from PEMRA so that they can produce quality content. We are tired of watching romantic comedies).

https://tribune.com.pk/story/230094...ens-insiders-welcome-film-policy-announcement

 

[SangasCoverDrive]

It has been in crisis since 80s.

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

The only way to improve the industry is to dub foreign films in Urdu. The increased competition will either force the industry to improve or die out.

 

[Savak]

Controlling piracy is the real deal.

 

[sa88]

Industry was making a tentative comeback before covid with some films making decent money for producers.

Going forward the industry needs support. It has the potential to be generate soft power for Pakistan down the road.

Cinemas need to be affordable for the common man. Also they need a lot more content. If Indian content is banned then must consider foreign films dubbed into Urdu.

The success of dubbed Turkish programmes shows there is an appetite for good productions which are in a language prole can understand.

 

[emranabbas]

Some Pakistani movies of recent times are really good.
just lack of promotion is hitting the industry hard

 

[Majid Khan]

One thing is that finally Pakistani films in the last few years actually look and sound good, in terms of picture and audio quality, massive improvement in cinematography, and visual aesthetics. There was a time from the 70s to early 2010s where it looked like Pakistani movies were still being shot using the same outdated decades old cameras which would probably do a better job in black and white then the dull lifeless colours they produced.

Anyway on the content side , is it just me or does anyone else notice how every movie has to have some forced comedy element to it , with cringe worthy comedians trying to crack jokes that no one finds funny — why can’t they make a half serious movie ? And then add to that the music and so called item songs , they end up making it look like a cheap Bollywood rip off. Also don’t forget the fake moustaches on the villains and loud evil laughs..they are more hilarious then then the comedians.

They should take inspiration from Iran, Egyptian and Turkish films , and go for serious cinema.

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

Saw my first Pakistani movie recently on Netflix, Cake.
Really enjoyed it and it dealt with end of life and subject of relationships between siblings in such a decent and fantastic way.

More movie like these please and Pakistani cinema will revive and thrive.

 

[OMB]

Saw my first Pakistani movie recently on Netflix, Cake.
Really enjoyed it and it dealt with end of life and subject of relationships between siblings in such a decent and fantastic way.

More movie like these please and Pakistani cinema will revive and thrive.

I haven't seen pakistani movies but ladies of the house prefer Pakistani TV serials than Indian ones. Then There are turkish serials translated to urdu which make sure that movies never got their due time.

 

[Mamoon]

It is not in crisis and never was in crisis. The Pakistani entertainment industry is geared towards tv serials.

The establishment of PTV in 1964 was considered to be a source of national unity and integration.

The nationalization of PTV under Bhutto in 1971 resulted in heavy investment which led to the success of several classics in the 1970s and 1980s such as Khuda ki Basti, Fifty Fifty, Andehra Ujala, Dhoop Kinare, Waaris, Unkahi etc. etc. which were the sole source of television entertainment for millions of Pakistanis and established our showbiz culture.

In the last two decades, the private channels such as GEO, ARY, HUM etc. emerged and they capitalized on the success of PTV and have surpassed PTV entertainment because of greater financial resources. They have been able to sign contracts with the best actors in the country.

The Pakistani film industry, or Lollywood, has also been secondary to the television industry. It has picked up in recent years, but it will never have the same status and recognition as Hollywood does in USA and Bollywood does in India.

The Pakistani equivalent of Hollywood/Bollywood is the tv industry, and it has produced numerous classics over the years and still does.

 

[gani999]

It is not in crisis and never was in crisis. The Pakistani entertainment industry is geared towards tv serials.


The Pakistani equivalent of Hollywood/Bollywood is the tv industry, and it has produced numerous classics over the years and still does.

That is true. Pakistan produces some great TV serials. A lot of them are very popular in India too.

 

[PakLFC]

We don't have the financial clout to make quality movies. Pak movies just can not compete with even British movies never mind Bolly or Hollywood. Since video culture was introduced in the late 1970's our films have struggled to make any impact whatsoever. Unless it is given a massive financial boost we just need to get used to a decent film once every five years or something otherwise we are whipping a dead horse here. Our actors are hardly known by most Pakistanis themselves what to say about outsiders following them.

 

[Saj]

I'd like to see re-makes of the brilliant Maula Jatt films.

Absolute classic films starring the legends Mustafa Qureshi and Sultan Rahi

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

I'd like to see re-makes of the brilliant Maula Jatt films.

Absolute classic films starring the legends Mustafa Qureshi and Sultan Rahi

They are remaking Maula Jatt. Here is the trailer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBWdUf7wfaE

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Legend_of_Maula_Jatt

 

[Suleiman]

They are remaking Maula Jatt. Here is the trailer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBWdUf7wfaE

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Legend_of_Maula_Jatt

It’s already made and ready to release. Has been for months or a year iirc. Whatever board gives the go ahead before release is not letting them release it for whatever petty reason. Same board which authorizes which foreign films go up in the theatres and which don’t.

This type of unnecessary censorship holds back arts.

But I think #1 reason Pakistani ajd Indian films are so tacky and cringe these days is because they try to be something they’re not. They try to be overly western rather than incorporating key elements related to the culture and expanding on that (obviously from creative angles) - which sees a lot of success whenever they have gone down that route.

 

[princeuk]

Some good films released in recent times but its our TV industry that is renowed for us and not our film industry.....although im expecting the new Maula Jatt film to be a game changer for us.

 

[Giannis]

My theory is that no language can have more than one immensely successful movie industry, for example Hollywood based in America is de facto the only English-language film industry that is successful, the UK and Australia may occasionally release a movie but even then all their best talent - actors, directors, writers choose to work in Hollywood, the same way the Urdu-Hindi film industry is based in Bollywood and the Arab film industry is mainly dominated by Egypt - all of these countries of have the largest population for the given language, so it's hard for Lollywood to compete with Bollywood when in reality it can only complement it. I do think Pakistan has potential to dominate Punjabi cinema and they already do that with Pashto as Pakistan has more Pashto speakers than Afghanistan. We need to leverage our strengths, Lollywood shouldn't aspire to beat Bollywood, they should just focus on making good content for the local audience and even then don't expect them to dominate the box offices.

 

[PakLFC]

Pakistanis have been waiting for this "Maula Jatt" for a few years now. Firstly, for a while the maker of the original blocked the release of the remake insisting he had not granted permission for it taking it to court. When they had kissed and made up a release date was announced that was then interrupted by Covid. Pak movies need to create it's own image and niche if it is to progress and be taken seriously. Imitating Bollywood is not the answer otherwise rightfully they will be called "copycats" similar to how Bollywood today is mimicked as being cheap copies of Hollywood movies.

 

[PakLFC]

The Pak movie industry is immature and unprofessional. Javed Sheikh who has worked in many Indian films said how professional their movie makers were compared to ours where people are always fighting over money issues. India is well ahead us in film making despite us having gained independence simultaneously. Up until the 1970's we were doing well before unprofessionalism and greed replaced quality in our film making.

 

[MenInG]

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry said Wednesday enhanced cooperation between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt in the arena of films and joint productions would not only help reinforce cultural bonds but also prove instrumental in further cementing brotherly relations.

The minister's comments came during a meeting with Egyptian envoy, Tarek Dahrough, where he proposed a joint venture and cooperation engaging Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan in the field of film production, according to a statement released by the Information Ministry.

Fawad proposed a virtual meeting between the Film Producers Associations of Pakistan and Egypt to discuss collaboration in the field of feature films.

The minister expressed the desire to seek Arabic dubbing facilities to dub Pakistani programmes, the statement said, adding that they also discussed possibilities for the exchange of teleplays between the two countries.

The federal minister informed the ambassador the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is finalising the draft MoU between Pakistan and Egypt envisaging cooperation in the fields of radio and TV.

"This will pave the way for programme exchanges and facilitate exchange of visits by technical experts and artists of the two countries," he said.

Both sides agreed that for further discourse on media cooperation, the information minister’s phone contact with the Egyptian counterpart, Director High Council of Media, Egypt would be arranged.

The minister also apprised the ambassador regarding government’s initiative to establish a media university imparting education and training in the faculties of film, media, and performing arts.

The ambassador welcomed the idea of the information minister regarding joint venture engaging Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt in the areas of films.

He also agreed to extend cooperation for joint religious programmes as recommended by the minister. For that, Egyptian scholars already working in Pakistan will be engaged.

The Egyptian envoy said he was eagerly looking forward to the possible signing of MoU on TV and radio cooperation between the two countries.

GEO

 

[Saj]

They are remaking Maula Jatt. Here is the trailer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBWdUf7wfaE

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Legend_of_Maula_Jatt

Great

But Sultan Rahi and Mustafa Qureshi were unique. There will never be actors like them.

 

[PakLFC]

Great

But Sultan Rahi and Mustafa Qureshi were unique. There will never be actors like them.

Fortunately! We don't need such so called actors giving Pakistanis a bad name. All of their film's were the same.

 

[Saj]

Great

But Sultan Rahi and Mustafa Qureshi were unique. There will never be actors like them.

Fortunately! We don't need such so called actors giving Pakistanis a bad name. All of their film's were the same.

Cult following and something different which appealed to many.

 

[PakLFC]

Cult following and something different which appealed to many.

There followers were mostly illiterate villagers who would not know they difference between their back side and the elbow!

 

[MenInG]

The 20th edition of the LUX Style Awards (LSA) 2021 has rolled out nominations for the annual event. The Awards Office of the LSAs announced nominations for 22 leading categories across critics and viewer’s choice awards, celebrating talents across genres and setting trends with performances from renowned stars.

The categories unveiled were in Fashion, Music and TV, stated a press release. Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and restrictions on cinemas, there were no film submissions received by the Awards Office this year. Compiled below is the list of categories announced by the official LSA Awards Office.

Fashion

Model of the year (Female)

Fahmeen Ansari
Maha Tahirani
Mushk Kaleem
Nimra Jacob
Rubab Ali

Model of the year (Male)

Aimal Khan
Hasnain Lehri
Munsif Ali Khan
Sachal Afzal
Shahzad Noor

Achievement in Fashion Design - Bridal Couture

Elan
Fahad Hussayn
Hussain Rehar
Sana Safinaz
Shehla Chatoor

Achievement in Fashion Design - Luxury Pret

Elan
Hussain Rehar
Misha Lakhani
Nida Azwer
Sania Maskatiya

Best Menswear Designer

Deepak n Fahad
Emraan Rajput
Ismail Farid
Jazib Qamar
Republic by Omar Farooq

Best Fashion Photographer

Alee Hassan
MHM Studio
Natasha Zubair
Najam Mahmood
Shahbaz Shazi

Best Hair and Make-up Artist

Fatima Nasir
Qasim Liaqat
Saima Bargfrede
Shoaib Khan
Sunil Nawab

Best Emerging Talent in Fashion

Aleena Naqvi – Fashion Photographer
Rastah - RTW Pret brand
Sarah Zulfiqar – Female Model
Trinette Lucas – Female Model
Zayn Kamran – Fashion Photographer

Music

Best Singer of the Year

Abbas Ali Khan for Mein Yeh Janoun Na
Baluch Twins for Tazhn Teehaar
Khurram Iqbal for Dil Behelta Hai Kahan
Meesha Shafi for Sakal Ban
Mohammad Aizaz for Todi
Zeeshan Ali For Surkhwaab's Sanval

Best Song of the Year

Ayi Re by Haniya Aslam
Haiderum by Gul Mohammad and Khurram Iqbal
Lighten Up by Sajid and Zeeshan
Mein Ye Janoun Na by Abbas Ali Khan
Tazhn Teehaar by Baluch Twins
Teri Tasveer by Bayaan

Best Emerging Talent in Music

Ahsan Ali for Bulleya
Aziz Kazi for Shantaram
Mohammad Aizaz Sohail for Todi
Turab Ali Hashmi for Shyam Kalyan
Zahra Paracha for Tum Kaafi Ho

Best Video Director

Abdullah Kasumbi for Joona by Hassan Raheem
Hamza Bin Tahir for Teri Tasveer by Bayaan
Mahera Omar for Dilri Lutti Taen Yaar Sajan by Ustad Ameer Ali Khan
Umar Anwar for Dhoop by Kashmir
Umar Riaz for Sakal Ban by Meesha Shafi and Mughal-e-Funk

Television

Best TV Serial

Alif - Sana Shahnawaz, Samina Humayun Saeed and Amjad Rasheed
Deewangi - 7th Sky Entertainment
Ehd-e-Wafa - Momina Duraid and ISPR
Pyar Ke Sadqay - Momina Duraid and Moomal Shunaid
Raaz-e-Ulfat - 7th Sky Entertainment
Sabaat - Momina Duraid
Yeh Dil Mera - Momina Duraid

Best TV Director

Farooq Rind for Pyar Ke Sadqay
Haseeb Hasan for Alif
Saife Hasan for Ehd-e-Wafa
Siraj ul Haq for Raaz-e-Ulfat
Zeeshan Ahmed for Deewangi

Best TV Writer

Farhat Ishtiaq for Yeh Dil Mera
Maha Malik for Raaz-e-Ulfat
Mustafa Afridi for Ehd-e-Wafa
Umera Ahmed for Alif
Zanjabeel Asim Shah for Pyar Ke Sadqay

Best Female Actor – Viewer’s Choice

Ayeza Khan for Meherposh
Hiba Bukhari for Deewangi
Mawra Hocane for Sabaat
Saboor Ali for Fitrat
Sajal Ali for Alif
Yumna Zaidi for Pyar Ke Sadqay
Yumna Zaidi for Raaz-e-Ulfat

Best Male Actor - Viewer’s Choice

Ahad Raza Mir for Ehd-e-Wafa
Ahad Raza Mir for Yeh Dil Mera
Bilal Abbas for Pyar Ke Sadqay
Danish Taimoor for Deewangi
Faysal Quraishi for Muqaddar
Hamza Ali Abbasi for Alif
Imran Ashraf for Kahin Deep Jalay

Best Emerging Talent in TV

Adnan Samad Khan for Ehd-e-Wafa
Ameer Gillani for Sabaat
Dur-e-Fishan Saleem for Dilruba
Nazish Jahangir for Kahin Deep Jaley
Pehlaaj Hassan for Alif

Best Original Soundtrack

Alif Bas, sung by Momina Mustehsan and Shuja Haider, composed by Shuja Haider in Alif
Ehd-e-Wafa k Naam Kiya, sung and composed by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan in Ehd-e-Wafa
O Zaalim, sung by Sahir Ali Bagga and Aima Baig, composed by Sahir Ali Bagga in Fitrat
Pyar Ke Sadqay, sung by Ahmed Jahanzaib, Alia Khan and Mahnoor Khan, composed by Ahmed Jahanzaib in Pyar Ke Sadqay
Tip Tip, sung by Naveed Nashad and Sajal Aly, composed by Naveed Nashad in Yeh Dil Mera
Yehi Tou Raaz-e-Ulfat Hai, sung by Aima Baig and Shani Arshad, composed by Shani Arshad in Raaz-e-Ulfat
Zindagi Paheli Hai, sung by Ali Sethi, composed by Naveed Nashad in Sabaat

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2317328/lsa-2021-and-the-nominees-are

 

[Lonewarrior]

[Trailers] Pakistani Films waiting to be released once the Cinemas reopen

Cinemas in Pakistan and across the world were closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Many movies which were set to release in 2020 were pushed forward due to the uncertainty brought by the pandemic and the closure of sets and theatres. But as the vaccination process is speeding up in the country, there are chances that cinemas will re-open soon.

Here is a list of movies that will be released when the cinemas will be opened:

 

[Lonewarrior]

 

[Lonewarrior]

 

[Lonewarrior]

 

[Lonewarrior]

Lafangey

Rehbara

London Nahi Jaunga

Ishrat – Made in China

Fatman

Ghabrana Nahi Hai

Neelofar

 

[MenInG]

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb on Saturday said that the Film and Culture Policy 2018 has been revived to uplift the industry through multiple incentives.

Marriyum made the announcement in a meeting with the delegation of the Film Producers Association. She also informed them about the steps being taken by the government for the revival of the film industry.

“Recommendations for the revival of industry would soon be formulated after consulting the stakeholders of film and culture sectors,” she said, assuring the delegation that those recommendations would soon be presented before Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and made part of the next budget.

The minister said Punjabi movies were the country’s asset and their production would be increased under the new policy. Special incentives would be given for the preparation of the content related to children especially movies, cartoons, plays, stories and educational programmes.

She said that the film sector was being given the status of industry to offer it maximum incentives. The new policy was aimed at improving the quality, story and technology of movies.

Marriyum said that the policy would not only ensure the revival of cinemas through the construction of new facilities but would also include incentives for the artists.

She said that the price of tickets for movies in cinemas would be reduced to provide maximum recreational opportunities to the people. The process for giving the permits of film shooting would also be eased.

Marriyum said the government would encourage the export of Pakistani movies and create opportunities for promoting joint productions.

She said there was a dire need of improving the standard of Pakistani movies and underlined the importance of equipping this sector with modern technologies.

She said that the government would cooperate with the industry for importing the film-making equipment and machinery. The delegation was assured that the demand for abolishing the withholding tax on the film industry would be considered and taken up at the relevant forum.

Film, drama, theatre and fine arts could play a critical role in improving the country’s image at international level, she remarked, adding that the unrest and intolerance were never acceptable traits in Pakistani society.

She said that film, drama and fine arts were akin to the literary, moral and traditional life of the society. “The soul of our society would be revived,” the minister assured the association of full support for resolving their problems.

Sayed Noor, Sheikh Amjad Rashid, Pir Saad and others were also part of the delegation which called on the minister.

Express Tribune

 

[silentkiller187]

ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: The government has announced to establish a Film Finance Fund with the annual allocation of one billion rupees and launching the first-ever medical insurance policy for artistes.

This was revealed by Federal Finance Minister Miftah Ismail during the budget speech 2022-23 in the National Assembly on Friday. He termed the uplift of film, culture and heritage, drama and fine arts necessary to promote the soft image of the country at the international level and bring innovations in societal trends.

He announced a five-year tax holiday for filmmakers, a five-year income tax exemption on the construction of new cinemas, production houses, film museums, tax rebate on film and drama export and income tax exemptions for cinema and producers.

Rs1 billion will be utilised for establishing a National Film Studio along with a National Film Institute and a Post-Film Production Facility. The foreign filmmakers will be given a tax rebate on local joint productions of films and dramas with the condition of 70% shooting within Pakistan so that the projection of different local places can help promote tourism and culture, besides business activities.

The minister said an 8% withholding tax was being withdrawn for distributors and producers while a five-year exemption from the customs duty on the import of necessary equipment for films and dramas was being given.

Meanwhile, artistes have praised the positive measures the government has taken for the next fiscal year to promote the film industry and relieve film actors and workers.

Film actress Meera welcomed the budget and motivation given to the film industry by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, saying that she was really joyous to see that the government announced tax exemption for producers and cinema owners, five-year tax holiday for filmmakers, new cinemas, production houses, film museums besides 10-year tax rebates for film and drama exports.

Talking to The News, she said she would like to set up her own production house for which she would request the prime minister to give her a grant of one hundred million rupees. She said the film industry would be revived in the country as film education and production facilities would be established with the status of CSR, including Post Film Production Facility, National Film Studio and National Film Production Institute.

Stage actress Saima Ali Khan said artistes dedicated their entire life to the entertainment of the general public and the government’s announcement of medical insurance for artistes and provision of a Rs1 billion fund for the film industry was an acknowledgement of the services given by artistes.

She also welcomed the withdrawal of customs duty on equipment and machinery for production houses, theatres and cinemas, saying that it would promote the film industry and modernise the show business. She appreciated the decision that producers and cinema owners would be exempted from income tax.

Filmmaker and director Sarmad Khosat said the establishment of a Rs1 billion annual binding film fund and National Film Institute, National Film Studio and Post Production Facility Centre at a cost of Rs1 billion would seem like a dream. If it was done, it would really benefit the film industry. With the exemption of five-year customs duty on the purchase of film and drama production equipment, the showbiz activities would increase.

Actor Humayun Saeed lauded the introduction of medical insurance policy for artistes. Cinema owner Zooraiz Lashari said the five-year income tax exemption would increase investment by those who build cinema halls, film museums and production houses.

Filmmaker and director Syed Noor said the government's move was welcomed as 70% shooting of films with foreign filmmakers would boost domestic tourism and industry.

Distributors Association Chairman Chaudhry Ijaz Kamran said the government “has won our hearts by abolishing 8% withholding tax on distributors and producers”.

https://www.geo.tv/latest/421898

 

[ARK Rafay]

Distributors Association Chairman Chaudhry Ijaz Kamran said the government “has won our hearts by abolishing 8% withholding tax on distributors and producers”.

Well it works. Winning media and artists people over helps narrow down the resistance against propaganda.

 

[Saj]

Film actress Meera welcomed the budget and motivation given to the film industry by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, saying that she was really joyous to see that the government announced tax exemption for producers and cinema owners, five-year tax holiday for filmmakers, new cinemas, production houses, film museums besides 10-year tax rebates for film and drama exports.

But will this actually see the Pakistani film industry producing some better quality movies and artistes?

 

[PakLFC]

Zarrar, London nehi jaunga and Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad are films to lookout for. I have given up on "The legend of Maula Jatt" ever being released. It is okay if we release fewer films as long as they are entertaining and provide quality. Pak mustn't go back to the terrible 1990's with ugly hero's and fat heroines running around

 

[PakLFC]

Trailers of the three mentioned films. Showing a soft image is so important in today's world. We do need to release more films and they should be on time too. Many are unnecessarily delayed.

 

[PakLFC]

 

[PakLFC]

Zarrar will be released very soon. I like the James Bond/Hollywood feel to it in comparison to the usual over colourful, boring Romcoms.

 

[PakLFC]

Good line. "How much suffering will it take for us to become a nation??"

 

[daytrader]

Ahad Raza Mir's steamy scenes in Netflix drama - Resident Evil, provoke fans


Ahad Raza Mir, Lollywood’s heartthrob, recently made headlines for his upcoming foreign project Resident Evil.

The show’s second season is scheduled to be aired on Netflix. Many of Mir’s Pakistani fans were excited to watch him on the screen but with praises came some bashing. Mir was seen in bold and provocative scenes, which didn’t go well with his fans.

The Ehd-e-Wafa actor featured in some steaming scenes and now it's up to his fans to decide how they feel about these. Nonetheless, Mir’s performance was praised and his charisma charmed fans beyond boundaries.

Mir’s character is a 28-years-old Arjun Batra, an Indian refugee following the T-virus, and father to the character Bea.

The Hum Tum actor has been working on local and foreign projects receiving numerous Lux Style Awards. Mir has over 2.8 million followers on Instagram. He was married to Sajal Aly, a fellow Pakistani actress. The couple parted their ways a few weeks ago.

Daily Pakistan

 

[daytrader]

Marriyum stresses revival of film industry
Minister says extensive research with experts are conducted to develop comprehensive policy

The Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb on Sunday said that the revival and expansion of Pakistan’s film industry were vital to project the national narrative through screen tourism.

“Screen tourism presents an opportunity to spread the narrative of Pakistan, as seen in the successful examples of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Iran, where budding film industries have thrived”, she said while addressing 25 high achievers of the National Amateur Film Festival Award bound to leave for Australia on Monday.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has sponsored these 25 students one-year training in New York Academy, Australia.

The government was to promote Pakistan’s narrative, focusing on heritage, youth engagement, and tourism through screen tourism, she maintained.

The minister observed it was high time to invest in Pakistan’s entertainment industry, which currently enjoyed tax exemptions.

“Over the next decade, I foresee a revival of the industry that will allow it to compete with neighbouring countries and even international markets,” she said adding that the high achievers had the potential to make a significant impact in this field.

The minister recalled that Pakistan’s film industry faced a significant setback between 1970 and 2000, causing its growth to stagnate. However, since 2000, the industry has experienced a boost, although its progress has been hindered by the absence of cinemas and affordability issues, which limited access for the general public, she maintained. The minister stated the government introduced a film policy in 2017 to address these challenges.

She revealed that extensive research and consultations with relevant stakeholders and experts were conducted to develop this comprehensive policy. Lessons were learned from countries with flourishing film industries or successful revivals, providing valuable insights, she added.

Marriyum Aurangzeb maintained that incentives for the film industry were included in the 2018 budget, and after coming into power again last year, the coalition government established a dedicated film division in the ministry.

The film sector currently enjoyed zero taxation, with income tax exemptions for individuals and production houses. Import of equipment for film and drama production had also been tax exempted, she noted.

The minister disclosed that the corporate entities providing funds for film production can claim CSR tax credits from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), making it a significant incentive.

Express Tribune

 

[Hitman]

Is Bollywood still banned in Pakistan?

 

[Sher Khan]

Look our extreme religiousness will never allow our film industry to thrive.

 

[RajBan]

Look our extreme religiousness will never allow our film industry to thrive.

But then you have TV dramas thriving. What's the difference that TV dramas are doing fine but your movies are struggling?

 

[Sher Khan]

But then you have TV dramas thriving. What's the difference that TV dramas are doing fine but your movies are struggling?

Dramas are different to movies. Dramas are based on everyday reality.

When a viewer watches a movie they expect it to be out of this world and something different. Audience what's to see some something masala style, and for that it's important to have a good balance of things like item songs(for the youth), romance(for the newlyweds) and a good message for elderly people.

 

[RajBan]

Dramas are different to movies. Dramas are based on everyday reality.

When a viewer watches a movie they expect it to be out of this world and something different. Audience what's to see some something masala style, and for that it's important to have a good balance of things like item songs(for the youth), romance(for the newlyweds) and a good message for elderly people.

To be honest the dramas are far from reality but certainly they have less over the top elements and stuff that folks can digest with less loud and ludicrous acting, less out of context songs and dances etc. My point was you do have the system working in terms of talent and content on the drama side, there is no reason why it should not work on the movie or OTT front if rightly done. Shoaib Mansoor is a pretty good example when content is right and there are bunch of good actors working under a competent director things turn out to be fine.