Karachi to host International Film Festival
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KARACHI: Karachi will host International Film Festival in March next year. This was stated by the Sindh Governor, Muhammad Zubair, here on Wednesday.
He expressed these view while hosting at Governor House a fund-raising and introductory reception for Pakistan International Film Festival (PIFF) being organized by the Karachi Film Society. The reception was attended by the Consul Generals of Germany, Japan, Iran, Morocco, and founding members of the Karachi Film Society. It raised the curtain on the key objectives of hosting an International Film Festival and stressed on the importance of filling this void in our City of lights. Speaking on the occasion, Governor Sindh stressed the need of holding cultural, social and sports events so as to promote soft image of Pakistan around the globe.
Despite considerable improvement in law and order, the perception of Pakistan does not match the reality in the country, he opined.
Zubair said that it is heartening to note that cultural activities are increasing by every passing day in Karachi and holding of this event would further accelerate the same.
He stated that PIFF scheduled in March 2018, would be a remarkable addition in city's cultural calendar as it would not only entertain people but would also bring film industries of various countries closer.
Governor Sindh who is also the patron of KFS said that this festival would highlight Karachi as a major film industry hub and also showcase the work of emerging film makers, who have revived the industry from Karachi.
He said that this four-day festival would be a breath of fresh air for Karachiites as they would be treated to movies on variable topics from across the world.
He said that promotion of cultural activities in Karachi would portray a soft image of the country at International level. There was an urgent need of joining hands for enhancement of social, cultural and entertainment events for making Karachi city of light once again, after maintenance of peace in the city.
Zubair said that PIFF would also bring and introduce new cinema to local market and facilitate introduction of Pakistani movies to global viewers.
Gathering of all stake holders of film Industry would further facilitate exchange of new concepts, ideas and story-lines, he observed.
Governor Sindh lauded the proposed event of celebration of Pakistani cinema during PIFF where tributes would be paid to the great legends of our cinema industry. Their recognition would motivate others to follow their lead and work even harder for the promotion of Pakistani Film Industry, he opined.
He commended the efforts of KFS and assured his full cooperation for making the event a success.
It was informed on the occasion that PIFF is scheduled to be held from March 2018 by Karachi Film Society which aims to make it a regular feature like Karachi literature festival.
It was further stated that during the event that short films, documentaries and feature films from various participating countries would be shown during the festival. The screening location of the movies would Nueplex, Frere Hall, Sea view and various mobile cinemas stationed at different parts of Karachi,it was also informed.
Dr Ishrat Hussain said that, This festival is a humble attempt by some citizens to draw attention of the global community towards the softer image of Pakistan, especially Karachi. Natural beauty of its habitat, rich historical heritage,a vibrant multi -cultural society and creativity in the fields of literature, art, drama, music, poetry and film that Pakistan offers need systematic and broader exposure. The Film Festival is part of the larger effort to expose this dimension of life to the rest of the world.
President HUM Network and Karachi Film Society, Sultana Siddiqui said Karachi Film Society is a great initiative by the most committed and accomplished members of our society.
The idea behind hosting an International Film Festival here is to strengthen the fledgling film industry of Pakistan and to boost the cultural image of Karachi and Sindh by bringing people together for shared happiness and harmony. This festival will not only help our industry to grow but will also provide an excellent platform to new aspiring talent.
The Karachi Film Society has been established by the most accomplished people in their respective fields including Dr Ishrat Hussain (former Governor State Bank of Pakistan), Ameena Saiyid (Managing Director OUP), Senator Javed Jabbar (writer, film-maker, policy analyst and former Federal Minister), Sirajuddin Aziz (President and CEO Habib Metropolitan Bank), Jamil Baig (CEO Nueplex Cinemas), Ronak Lakhani (Chairperson SOP), Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy (Oscar winning director/producer) and Sultana Siddiqui.
