Pak-Chinese filmakers to start projects

Pak-Chinese filmmakers to start joint projects

The filmmakers of China and Pakistan have decided to strengthen cultural ties between the two countries by launching joint productions for both small screen as well as silver screen.

This was stated by producer and director Mubasher Lucman while speaking at a press conference held in Lahore. He recently visited China heading a 10-member delegation. Some members of the delegation also performed at Pakistan Emba**y and Beijing University in China. Film star Meera, director Shehzad Rafiq, singer Anwar Rafi, actress Sheen, Sara Jamoot, Khanoo Samrat were also present on the occasion.

The Chinese Authorities have invited Pakistani group to be a part of the forthcoming Asian cultural festival in September. "I want Choorian to be nominated in the festival from Pakistan," Mubasher said.

He said that China would also buy Pakistani films that would be dubbed in Chinese and screened at Chinese cinemas. "Besides, exchange of artists, technicians and technology will bring a change in the present quality of movies in Pakistan," he added.

He said that regular cultural exchanges between the two countries would be held and the Emba**y of Pakistan and China National Film Bureau will facilitate the implementation of the agreement. Mubasher said that China Film Bureau delegation would visit Pakistan next month to discuss possibilities of opening a Chinese films centre in Lahore.

While talking about delegation Mubasher said that the group comprising Shahzad Rafique, Khanoo Samrat, Farooq Rao, Nadia Ali, Sheen, Sara Jamoot, Sohail Shaikh, Anwer Rafi and Meera was in China for a five-day visit at the invitation of the Pakistan Emba**y in Beijing. "In Beijing the first and foremost activity was participation in the official screening of a Pakistani film 'Rukhsati', written and directed by Shahzad Rafique. The film received tremendous accolades. Director Shahzad Rafique and actress Meera were awarded by certificates of merit by China National Film Bureau," he added
Shehzad Rafiq said that members of the delegation made two performances. "The first was at the Pakistan emba**y. Federal Minister Faisal Saleh Hayat praised the performance by saying that he wished they could send them to more countries to show the world that Pakistan has rich cultural heritage and strong history of films and music," he said.

Terming Khanoo Samrat as an excellent actor Meera said that he must leave choreography. "He made a stunning performance and was highly appreciated by the Chinese audience," she said.

The Director General of the China National Film Bureau wants to visit Pakistan and explore the possibility of screening Chinese films in Pakistan with Urdu Sub-titling and dubbing. The China Film Bureau also as a token of their good will agreed to reduce the postproduction charges of films by almost 60 percent to facilitate Pakistani producers. A draft MOU would be submitted by the Pakistan Emba**y in China in a week's time and later Mubasher Lucman and Wong Chi of China National Film Bureau will sign the MOU.