UNITED NATIONS – The second edition of Pakistan Film Festival opened in NewYork Saturday in the presence of some of the biggest stars of the Pakistanimovie industry, with Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi saying that the films beingscreened during the two-day event convey the country’s energy and dynamism.
“We have organized our film festival to both acknowledge the remarkablerevival of Pakistan’s cinema and to showcase and celebrate it,” thePakistani envoy told a large and enthusiastic audience in the spacious hallof Asia Society.
The Pakistan Mission to the United Nations organized the festival, as itdid in 2016.
On Saturday, 7 Din Mohabat In, Parchi, Verna and Cake drew packed houses,while on Sunday Na Band Na Baraati, Punjab Nahi Jaongi, and Lala Begum willbe shown.
Also on Sunday, Oscar award winner Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy will participatein the festival’s special segment titled “Beyond the Oscars,” in which shewill discuss her present and future work as well as challenges faced byPakistan’s film industry. Her animated film, 3 Bahadur was screened duringthe First Film Festival in New York in December 2016.
Ambassador Lodhi declared the festival open to a roaring crowd as shepresented top stars like Mahira Khan, Mikaal Zulfikar, Mehwish Hayat,Aamina Sheikh and others.
Thanking the stars and directors for taking time out of their busyschedules to come to New York, the Pakistani envoy paid tributes to themfor reviving a the industry which had become practically dormant.
“This revival has been spearheaded by a new wave of young filmmakers andactors; they have produced a devise array of movies that have been pushingthe boundaries and charting and breaking new ground by tackling bold themesand using digital technology,” she said.
Ambassador Lodhi hoped that the festival will contribute to that process,and that this celebration of films from Pakistan will “convey the energy,dynamism and optimism that define today’s Pakistan.”
The festival will conclude with the performance of Zeb Bangash, and herband Sandaraa. Zeb is part of the first generation of Pakistani musiciansto have established themselves internationally.
On Monday, Ambassador Lodhi is hosting a reception at the United Nationswhere Ambassadors, UN officials and media representatives accredited to theUN have been invited, as well as members of the Pakistani diaspora.
Since assuming charge as Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to UN,Ambassador Lodhi has undertaken several cultural projects and organized aseries of events to promote Pakistan’s soft image and highlight its modernand vibrant culture as well its ancient civilizational roots.
“Cultural diplomacy is a vital part of any diplomat’s job which is aimed atwinning hearts and minds”, Ambassador Lodhi said in an interview with APP.She added that Pakistan has much to offer the world in this regard, and itsdiplomats’ responsibility is to ensure that this is projected in theinternational arena. – APP