The origin of Lahore is not known for certain but for thousands of years it has been the cradle of human civilization. The rich heritage of arts and culture makes it unique from other cities of the region. In every era Lahori culture retained its distinct flavour, an abiding attraction for visitors and denizens alike.
It boasted of a film industry set-up before the creation of Pakistan, which was matched across the sub-continent only by Bombay. Unfortunately Lahore has never had much international events that could put it on the world map of art and showbiz. Now the Punjab government taking a lot of interest in art and culture is encouraging events to highlight the heritage.
The projects in the pipeline that are meant to showcase Lahore as a city of art and glamour are two international events to be held in the month of November. The International Festival of Visual Arts and the Lahore Film Festival have been planned at Alhamra by Lahore Arts Council and Chief Minister's Task Force on Lahore. The Visual Arts Festival would deal with the exhibition of all kinds of visual arts from all over the world including works of calligraphy, paintings and sculptures.
The Film Festival would be the first of its kind in Pakistan with representation expected not just from the regional countries but also from Europe and North America.
According to sources the plan to hold festivals came up in view of the fact that Pakistan needs to improve its image in the world and Lahore being the cultural capital of the country was considered the best venue. Each festival would be of one-week duration and would be held one after the other. Executive Director Lahore Arts Council gave advertisements in newspapers seeking proposals from the event management companies for holding the two events. Sources said four companies including Rafi Peer Theatre Workshop, Depilex Vision and J& S Events have shown interest and also made presentations a few days ago. These companies it is contended would motivate maximum number of private sector groups and multinational companies for sponsorship and support.
The festival would include seven golden films by Pakistan to be selected by a panel headed by Ghause Akbar. Punjab Secretary Information and Culture Taimur Azmat Usman, Ghause Akbar, Yousaf Sallahuddin, SM Hamid, Mubasher Lucman and Fuad Rabbani would finalise the proposals for holding the events. Film stars and personalities that are not living in Pakistan any more like Shabnum, Robin Gosh and Sohail Rana would also be invited. An exhibition of 60 years of the film history through posters and photosets would be held.
A seminar would be held at the end of the festival in which internationally known speakers would make inputs. An awards ceremony would also be held on the last day of film festival. According to the proposal submitted the cost of holding the film festival is roughly estimated at Rs 2.5 million, sources said. The organisers plan to charge ticket money at the gate.
The festivals may go a long way in putting Lahore back on the creative map of the region and boost tourism. It may also help to generate people's interest in films that in turn could lead to revival of film industry here.
