The readiness of Pakistani cinema for the official screening of Iranian films is a significant cultural development between the two neighbors having deep historical, religious, social and cultural commonalities.
In recent years, films, documentaries and TV series produced by the Islamic Republic of Iran have been shown in various festivals in Pakistan which has always attracted the attention of the people particularly those involved in cinema and television.
The film industry in Pakistan faced serious problems after the outbreak of the corona virus, like in other parts of the world, and the closure and imposition of corona restrictions severely affected the production, promotion and screening of films.
The readiness of Pakistani officials to screen Iranian films should be considered good news for the cinema community of the two friendly and neighboring countries.
According to the Minister of Information and National Heritage of Pakistan, the country's film industry needs to be compensated from the damage caused by Covid-19 and for this reason, the government has decided to allow screening of films from regional countries.
Speaking at a news conference in Islamabad after a cabinet meeting chaired by Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, Chaudhry Fawad Hussain said that the government has decided to officially screen Iranian films in Pakistani cinemas.
He added the Pakistani government cabinet has issued a license to import films from the Islamic Republic of Iran and distribute them in Pakistani cinemas with the aim of helping revitalize the country's film and cinema industry.
Fawad Hussain, who is also the spokesman for the Pakistani government, said immediate measures are being taken to improve the situation of the country's cinemas, and it was decided that the National Command and Operation Center would formulate and announce the necessary instructions for the reopening of cinemas.
Officials in Pakistan have always expressed their desire for bilateral cooperation in screening Iranian films, making joint productions and broadcasting Iranian serials on Pakistani networks.
The culture centers of Iran in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta have held film weeks and screen documentaries about Iranian cinema and television at varied times.
In mid-August this year, Pakistan National Television (PTV) staff, including the network's managing director, news secretary, presenters and reporters, met with the ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Islamabad to announce the readiness of Pakistani state television to strengthen cooperation in film and documentary production with Iran.
They praised the brilliant cinema and film industry of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and called for the use of Iran's experiences in the field of cinema, filmmaking, documentaries, serials, as well as the promotion of cultural and civilizational features.
**Pakistanis praise Iranian cinema and filmmakers
In February 2020, the film "Track 143" made by acclaimed Iranian film director, Narges Abyar was screened in Karachi which was praised by Pakistani filmmakers.
Meanwhile Narges Abyar, received Pakistan’s Hum Women Leaders Award 2020 for her contributions to cinema industry.
Senior Pakistani film director and producer Syed Noor had traveled to Iran in 2019 along with his wife, filmstar Saima, to attend the Fajr International Film Festival. “This was my third trip to Iran,” said the producer.
In an interview with IRNA the Pakistani film director and producer announced plans to make a film in collaboration with Iranian cinema.
Syed Noor said that his project would help in bringing the people of the two countries further close to each other.
He urged the governments of Iran and Pakistan to encourage joint productions as without the support of the government these projects cannot be materialized.
The Pakistani government's decision of the official screening of Iranian films at home is good news for those interested in the culture and art of Iran.
Iranian cinema has been one of the main enthralling and appealing cinema industry in the world and has gained special status among the world’s cinema industry with its unique and innovative film directing techniques.
Iranian films are regularly shown in different Pakistani cities in which people show keen interest.
Cooperation between Iran and Pakistan in the field of art can be considered an important step to bring two Muslim nations further close to each other.
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