It’s a comeback for Pakistan’s film industry
By Muhammad Aayan
LAHORE: Cinema in Pakistan has been trying to make a comeback in the recent years, with the likes of ‘Khuda Ke Liye’ and ‘Ramchand Pakistani’, which have been widely appreciated. The striving cinema industry of Pakistan took yet another step forward with the recent release of the Punjabi movie ‘Virsa’.
Although the movie received a mixed response, Jawad Ahmad’s music and Mehreen Raheel, Nauman Ijaz and Gulshan Grover’s acting was widely lauded.
Talking to Daily Times, showbiz personalities, artists and media experts said that the revival of the film industry in Pakistan required hard work on the part of local artists.
Never too late: Stylist Tariq Ameen said, “ There are a lot of good directors in the industry who have the potential to make good films, but they are busy with commercial projects. We could have easily had a few hit movies by now, however, it’s never too late to try this now. Even having new flop movies or attempts by youngsters can add to the experience of our film industry as showbiz is always a learning process.”
Senior graphic designer and painter Shiraz Malik said, “We have to compete with international movies, which involves the use of good lighting, perfect choreography, strong storyline, and acting that is close to reality. The time for excuses about dearth of talent or money has gone and its time a quality production from Pakistan hits the international market.”
Educated people: Renowned stylist Ather Shahzad was of the view that the industry needed the services of educated people. “Educated directors, actors and investors can make a huge difference if they join hands… some of the commercials being made these days are really expensive, but investors are reluctant to take the same risks with a movie production. It’s not such a big deal as Pakistan is full of talent and making good short films or movies is not a problem for us”, he said.
Exhibitions: On the other hand, an exhibition displaying Matloob Baig and Awais Saleem’s art works ended on June 2 at the Royaat Art Gallery. Matloob’s paintings depicted malangs and pigeons showing the bond between the true guardian and mankind. They beautifully symbolised the simplicity of humans that leads to spirituality.
Jimmy Engineer’s exhibition at the Revivers Galleria was extended in lieu of their collaboration with Shaukat Khanam Cancer Hospital. Two special girls inaugurated the exhibition last month and all proceedings from the sale of the paintings were to be given to an organisation supporting special children.
Sara Anjum, the gallery’s curator told DailyTimes that a special ceremony was to be held on June 12 and 13 where the representatives of Shaukat Khanam Hospital, Jimmy and other people would be present and would formally donate all the proceedings from the exhibition to the hospital, The exhibition will close on June 15.
Meanwhile, the Punjab Arts Council had organised a Drama Festival which is to end on June 12.
An exhibition of Amna Hashmi’s journals and Ayesha Jatoi’s conceptual art were also displayed at the Zahoorul Akhlaq Gallery, National College of Arts during the last week.
Source: Daily Times
Date:6/7/2010
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