Opinions & Interviews

“Since the film industry of Pakistan has been in stagnation for so long, we are currently reviving it and seek cooperation with film producers all over the world. We would be glad to work with Belarusian cinematographers,” said Pervaiz Rashid.

In his words, today Pakistan produces all kinds of films: features, documentaries and animations. “We would like our cinematography to continue its development and have every opportunity to improve the quality of Pakistani films,” the minister noted.

He also emphasized the beauty of Belarus. “This is my first visit to the country. I have already noticed its wonderful nature and great people. Now we are working hard to create new opportunities for cooperation between Belarus and Pakistan. I will advise my colleagues to come here and study your country’s potential for closer partner relations,” Pervaiz Rashid said.

Partaking in the opening of the Pakistan Film Festival was Culture Minister of Belarus Boris Svetlov. “The Pakistan Film Festival in Minsk is the first step towards the implementation of the agreement on cooperation in the cultural sector signed by the Culture Ministry of Belarus and the Pakistani Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage in May. The Belarusian audience shows interest in the Pakistani cinematography. Honestly speaking, I have never seen a Pakistani film. Today I have a wonderful chance to get familiar with the Pakistani cinematography,” said Boris Svetlov.

In his words, the film industries of Belarus and Pakistan will cooperate through a mutual film screening. The future plans include joint film production.

“We will also get Pakistani people familiar with Belarus through a film program. In late 2015 a Belarusian information cultural center will open at the National Library of Pakistan that will demonstrate Belarusian films to its visitors,” the Culture Minister said. He expressed hope that Belarus would see Pakistani films at the Listapad Film Festival in Minsk.

The first Pakistan Film Festival will stay open in Minsk through 12 August. The festival opened on 11 August with the film Bin Roye (Without tears), a Pakistani romantic drama (116 min.). The film is based on a story of the Pakistani writer Farhat Ishtiaq. The screening of the second festival film The Strike (130 min) will take place on 12 August. This is a Pakistani action thriller and drama film directed released in 2013. The film is a stylized depiction of events surrounding the war on terror in Pakistan, including the attack on the Police Academy at Lahore in 2009.