Pakistan's Film Industry

[united pakistan]

KARACHI:
With the Oscar coming home, around nine films already in the production and the trailer of Waar creating a stir, things seem to be finally picking pace for the Pakistani film industry. However in this new age of cinema, government and film institutions must also play an important role in imparting proper film education to potential film-makers because creative ventures can’t go far if they don’t have strong technological and financial backing.
Start from the scratch
“We need to halt the revival of cinema and start from scratch and that will only happen when the academia starts promoting this field,” says Daniyal Ali Khan, South Asian Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Television (SAAMPT).
Khan, who has been teaching film studies for around 10 years now, has been previously associated with Szabist’s Media Science department, Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture and National Academy of Performing Arts (Napa). He believes that the film departments in Pakistani universities need to follow the pattern of international film programmes to churn out well-informed film-makers.
“You can’t just offer a brief course on film and encourage the use of DSLRs and call it film education. Students should get hands-on experience on professional cameras and professional film formats such as 35 mm and 16 mm. Once the base is set, then may be later on in the course other formats can be introduced,” says Khan.
According to him, film should be introduced in the curriculum as a tool and technique. The dean, who was a film student himself at Columbia College Chicago, US, thinks that there is nothing wrong in buying camcorders and DSLRs as it helps in developing a student’s passion, however, craftsmanship and narrative finesse which comes from proper storyboarding and adept camera angles should not be overlooked. Khan believes that the most basic thing that decides whether a motion picture is good or bad is the crispness of storytelling. “Leave a camera with a monkey in a cage and he will find the button and eventually manage to capture something, but will it be a good film?”
Reaching dead end?
Khan believes that the aesthetic value of film shouldn’t be sacrificed at any cost and that is what the institutions need to keep their focus on, because apart from technique, it is the art of storytelling that matters. Drawing comparisons to the time when there were no institutions as such, Khan sees the emergence of new media schools and film departments as a beacon of hope, however what worries him is the teaching methodology and choice of faculty members.
He believes that no matter how experienced a certain industry professional is, if he is not educated in the field of film-making then, he shouldn’t be teaching film because what matters apart from knowledge and experience is the teaching methodology.
“The teacher should have a background in the relevant field that he or she is teaching. For example, you can’t get a graphic designer or a theatre major to teach film, you are being unjust to the craft itself,” says Khan.
The solution
Khan totally believes in the old adage ‘Jack of all trades, master of none’ and stresses that film and media schools should try to strengthen their students’ focus instead of stuffing too many irrelevant courses into the syllabus. “By specialising, I mean majors such as direction, scriptwriting, editing, cinematography and production should have regimented curriculum and one major should not overlap with the other because that just results in confusion and student learning courses that don’t help them later on.”
Khan also believes that Higher Education Commission (HEC) also has the most crucial role to play than anyone else. “HEC should build a committee comprising senior media practitioners and film-makers like Javed Jabbar to look after media and film education all over Pakistan. They should keep a check as to whether every institute is at par with the standard of the local industry,” he concludes.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 23rd, 2012.

[united pakistan]

KARACHI: After over a decade, famous silver screen actor Shabnam returned to Pakistan from Bangladesh on Monday night. She was warmly welcomed by hordes of excited fans and media personnel.
Shabnam, accompanied by her husband, renowned music composer Robin Ghosh, expressed her joy at coming back to the country that brought her fame. The couple, originally belonging to parts in former East Pakistan, had shifted to Bangladesh at the end of the 20th century.
“I’ll try to meet everyone,” the actor told the media on being asked whether she will meet her former colleagues in the country. She further expressed sorrow over the closure of Pakistani film studios.
When asked if she would consider working for Pakistani films again, Shabnam didn’t sound too sure.
On the insistence of some media personnel, Shabnam sang a line from one of the songs filmed on her.
According to a report by Dawn, Shabnam is returning to the country to be a part of a show organised by Pakistan Television to honour the couple for their contribution to Pakistani films.

[nice_dost]

Entertainment outlet: New hangout for film buffs of the twin cities

RAWALPINDI:
To cater to a burgeoning film-going culture, a first of its kind Arena 3D cinema was launched at Bahria Town here on Thursday. The state-of-the-art cinema has been designed by Architects Inc in collaboration with Ali Ishaq and is set along the lines of international movie theatres.

Saad Qureshi of Architects Inc said the auditorium was redone and completed in four to five months. The architects travelled to Singapore, Bangkok and parts of Europe to get an idea of movie theatre designs in these countries, he added.

The detailing and finishing of the cinema is remarkable. Large embossed glass doors lead visitors inside. As people wait for the show, they can relax on cushy lounge-esque seating.

Thick carpeted stairs lead one to the cinema, which has a total of 260 seats with two VIP lounges.

Most of the equipment such as the project and the seats were imported from America and Dubai. At the seats, tables slide out of the arm and move to the front with a cup holder on the side.

“This will keep me from dropping snacks in the dark or juggling with food on my lap,” said Sarah Khan, a visitor.

Qureshi explained, “The setting is modern and contemporary with subtle brown and black paisley patterned wallpaper paired with crystal lights and thick carpet for a comfortable feel.”

He added that a great number of people live in Bahria Town and the cinema is meant for them. Open only to families, the cinema will also eventually have side attractions like a play area and a shopping mall.

Natalia Tariq, another visitor, said, “Even though, it’s far from Islamabad, I’d still go because it’s so nice.”

The single-screen theatre can project movies in both 2D and 3D. The ticket costs Rs400 for a 2D film, while Rs500 for 3D. Cinepax, another popular hangout for the twin cities’ movie buffs, bests Arena 3D’s offerings with more screens and lower ticket prices – Rs350 for 2D and Rs450 for 3D.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 28th, 2012.

http://tribune.com.pk/story/370879/e...e-twin-cities/

[Ahmad Rashid Ahmad]

Any news when film "WAAR" will realease???

[united pakistan]

It is Pakistani film so no accurate releasing date

[PakNorway]

Something to look forward to?



After Shoaib Mansoor’s blockbuster Khuda Kay Liyay in 2007, there was a long pause in Pakistani feature films, then in 2010 came Bol, yet again by the same director. It almost seems as if there is only one person working on getting out of the “gujjar-gandassa” and “rainy dance in vulgar clothes” film culture.

That perception began to change when we started hearing news about the much awaited film “WAAR” (to strike) directed by Bilal Lashari. The plot has been stimulated by the war on terror in Pakistan, an action/thriller drama featuring Shaan, Ali Azmat, Shamoon Abbasi, Meesha Shafi and others.

And this is not it for the film deprived Pakistani audience. Whoever says that our film industry is dying should look out for the promising trailers floating around on YouTube and social networking websites.

The industry veterans and new talents are working on almost 8-10 different movies with a range of topics from social to political to romance and drama. And yes, going by the trailers they all seem quite promising.

Farjad Nabi and Meenu Gaur’s Zinda Bhaag was recently mentioned in different newspapers when Indian actor Naseeruddin Shah came for its shooting. The film is based on the subject of illegal immigration. It has just entered the post-production days and soon the trailer will be out.

Then there is The Dusk by Zeeshan Kazmi, which deals with human emotions and the behaviour of society towards victims of terrorism set in the current situation of Pakistan. Rafina, by Sabiha Sumar (of Khamosh Pani fame), has been in production for quite some time and the director hopes to release it commercially very soon.

Thirty minutes of Mansoor Mujahid’s Seedlings (Urdu name Lamha) starring television couple Aamina Sheikh and Mohib Mirza, was previewed last month at a local university with a Q&A with the cast and the crew.

Iram Parveen Bilal’s Josh revolves around the youth and their thrilling journey of discovering the power of the individual and inspiring a movement of change.

Industry veterans such as Shahzad Nawaz, actor Humayun Saeed and acclaimed music and TV commercial director Jami are also giving final touches to their respective film ventures.

Many other works are in production or in the conceptualization phase. Sources tell us that Shaoib Mansoor is also working on his third film project which is going to be about the 1947 sub-continent partition days. They story is written by the man himself.

The remarkable thing to see is that different subjects are being highlighted and social issues are being raised. There have been many movies from outside which have dealt with similar issues but to see this stir being generated in Pakistan is exciting. It’s a great feeling to hear about young film-makers and veterans of the industry working towards recreating the long lost cinema of Pakistan.

Well known writer from Balochistan, Hashim Nadeem Khan is also working on his novel turned film Abdullah. A few teasers are going around on social networking websites, where one can see that the cast includes television actor Sajid Hasan, Hameed Sheikh and many others.

By looking at the boom in film-making, there should be investment from the government side, which could help raise the technical infrastructure. The filmmakers should be given the facility to do post-production in their own country and not have to go aboard which could substantially cut the overall cost of production.

The initiative and creativity of these filmmakers highlights the promising future of the film industry. Hopefully this will raise the bar and allow young students or film-makers to make their passion a reality.

The writer is an Interactive Producer at Dawn.com

Click on the link below to watch trailers of a few upcoming films.

http://dawn.com/2012/05/09/2785573/

[Intoxication]

In one of those trailers its tht scottish BBCD who did a very poorly done documentary called karachi uncovered a few years ago! God I hate BBCDs!

[Intoxication]

Pakistani students win international award for film on drones


The Other Side made by Iqra University students won Best Audience Award at National Film Festival For Talented Youth

A short film on US drone attacks in Pakistani made by Iqra University students won an international award this week, said a press release.

The film The Other Side was awarded with Best Audience Award at National Film Festival For Talented Youth, Washington. The short film is written and directed by Danish Ali along with five other team members.

The 20-minute film revolves around the idea of assessing social, psychological and economical affects of drones on the people in tribal areas of Pakistan.

The film identifies the problems faced by families who have become victims of drone missiles, and it unearths the line of action which terrorist groups adopt to use victimised families for their vested interests.

Despite being chosen for the award, the filmmakers were unable to attend the award ceremony as their visa applications were rejected twice.

“If we got the visa then it would have been easy for us to frame our point of view in front of the other selected youth filmmakers,” Ali said.

“The film gained interest from the audience across the globe compelling festival administrators to give Audience Award to the film,” he added.

http://tribune.com.pk/story/377392/p...ilm-on-drones/

[smfarazm..]

Movie is being made on life of Shahid Afridi. 50% movie has been completed.


“Main Hun Shahid Afiridi” in the making


Humayun Saeed and Shahzad Nasib are producing a movie based on the life of Shahid Khan Afridi, who requires no introduction. Movies based on sports have gained much popularity in the sub-continent after the success of “Chak De! India”. Previously a UK-based filmmaker Faisal Aman Khan, made a movie based on the life of cricketer turned politician Imran Khan.

“Main Hun Shahid Afridi” is a movie which entails the struggles and achievements of a simple boy who made it big in cricket through sheer determination and hard work.

According to Saeed, producer of the movie, more than 50 per cent of the movie has been completed. The movie has been shot at popular stadiums in Karachi and Sialkot through support from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

“Main Hun Shahid Afridi” is being directed by Osman Ali Raza and Saeed himself will star as a coach in the movie. Lead role is being played by a 19-year-old boy called Noman Habib, who himself is an aspiring cricketer. However, Afridi himself will not make any appearance in the movie.


http://dawn.com/2012/05/15/main-hun-...in-the-making/

[united pakistan]

Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy's Saving Face wins Best Documentary Award at SAARC Film Award. PHOTO: PUBLICITY
KARACHI: Pakistan won its first SAARC Film Award for Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s documentary Saving Face and a Silver Medal in the Best Feature Film category for Mehreen Jabbar’s Ramchand Pakistani, said a press release on Monday.
Awards for Best Documentary of the Year and Silver Medal for Best Feature Film in SAARC region were received on behalf of Pakistan by Seema Ilahi Balloch, High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka at the award ceremony held on Sunday night in Colombo.
Another honour for Pakistan were the awards for Best Actor, which went to Manzar Sehbai and Rashid Farooqi for their roles in Bol and Ramchand Pakistani respectively.
Pakistan had been nominated for two feature films and one documentary in the awards.
The SAARC Film Festival concluded Sunday night with some of best films in the region being acknowledged and awarded. It was held for the second year this time, at National Film Corporation Cinema Hall, organised by the SAARC Cultural Centre in Sri Lanka and brought in nominations from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Maldives & Sri Lanka.
Documentary and feature films were screened daily from May 16-20 for the general public. Well-known film directors from Singapore, Iran & Russia served as adjudicators at the regional film awards.

[united pakistan]

A documentary on the life of Benazir Bhutto has received a prestigious electronic media award in the US — the George Foster Peabody Award.

Bhutto is a 111-minute documentary about the two-time Pakistani prime minister who was assassinated in Rawalpindi while campaigning in 2007, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported.

The documentary received the award at a glittering ceremony held in New York.

Bhutto’s son Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who is the chairman of the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party, attended the award ceremony with his aunt Sanam Bhutto.

Hollywood actor Patrick Stewart of X-Men fame presented the awards.

Among prizes for electronic media — radio, television, interactive and new media — the George Foster Peabody Awards are considered the most prestigious.

Founded in 1940, the Peabody is the also the oldest electronic media award in the world, recognising excellence, distinguished achievement, and meritorious public service.

The first radio awards were presented in 1941, the first TV awards in 1948, the first cable TV awards in 1981, and the first website awards in 2003.

Honouring content from large broadcast networks to tiny online outlets, from popular entertainment programmes to independently produced documentaries, the Peabody Awards seek out “excellence on its own terms”.

The awards are administered by the University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication.

[united pakistan]

LAHORE:
Despite having faced a slump last year due to box office failures coupled with regular bouts of illness, acclaimed film director Syed Noor knows there is no looking back. At the Shabab Studio, located in the periphery of Lahore, Noor, 61, is busy filming his latest venture Shareeka, which is set to release on Eidul Fitr this year.

Credited for revitalising Lollywood in the mid-90s, Noor is known for making issue-based films and has some of Lollywood’s biggest hits, such as Choorian, Jeeva, Ghoonghat and Deewane Tere Pyar Ke, under his belt. However, with a slump in the overall film industry and the economy in general, the director faced many failures as well but unswayed by these setbacks, he held on to his determination of keeping the Punjabi cinema alive and continued making films.
Noor looks at each film with the hope of reviving the industry. “I can’t say whether a revival will occur or not but I want to ensure films are being made not only for the audiences but also for those who rely on them for their livelihood,” says the director.
A sneak peek
Speaking about the film, Noor, considered one of the best film-makers in Pakistan, reveals, “Shareeka is a total family drama film. In our culture, joint families are a norm; but within these there are jealousies, negativities and other problems. However, we’ll focus on the importance of understanding these differences and moving past petty issues.”
The star-studded cast of the film includes Shaan, Saima, Irfan Khoosat,Mustafa Qureshi, Afzal Ahmed and others. Noor reveals that the film revolves around a big family, their two sons and then grandsons, all living together. Both Qureshi and Ahmed will be seen playing crucial parts. Ahmed, who is finally back after suffering from a stroke which left him wheelchair bound and unable to speak, has a role that’s designed to accommodate his condition. Shaan and Saima will feature as the children of the lead characters.
“You can probably tell what my character is,” quips Qureshi, adding that he will play the role of the grandfather. “Shareeka is an important story, with an important message. The film makes an analogy to the situation of Pakistan and compares it to a big family, consisting of different people from different backgrounds and languages, all living together.”
“In these times, to have a film like this being made is a positive thing,” states Qureshi. “We are, in a way, trying to discuss those issues which matter to the people of the country. I really believe that relationships thrive on understanding and likewise a nation also thrives on understanding amongst citizens.”
Like Qureshi, producer Safdar Malik also believes that the best thing about the film is that most people in Pakistan can relate to it. Recently, questions have arisen over whether a family film can generate enough revenue for the film-maker as well as cinema owners. Malik states, “People are tired of the vulgar and cheap films that are commonplace these days. That’s the reason families don’t even bother going to the cinemas. This will be a comeback of a genre of films that has been long neglected.”
While talking about the onslaught of foreign movies and how they affect the business of local ones, Malik says, “Currently, the industry is not producing enough films so foreign and Indian films are necessary for the survival of cinemas and theatres. However, on our part, we have made sure that at least some work is going on and that new faces are getting a chance to show their mettle.”
Noor’s upcoming venture
Meanwhile, apart from Shareeka, Noor’s other venture, Meri Shaadi Karao, is also scheduled to be released in June this year. The director confirmed it will include Indian Punjabi Daler Mehndi’s son Gurdeep Singh in the lead role. The film is a co-production of Noor and Mehndi.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 30th, 2012.

[united pakistan]

LAHORE:
At a time when almost every actor in Lollywood is trying to get work in Bollywood, an icon of Indian cinema says he couldn’t be happier that he has crossed borders to work in a Lollywood film.
One of the finest actors of Indian cinema Naseeruddin Shah is in the romantic city of Lahore these days to shoot for his Lollywood project Zinda Bhaag. “I came here a month ago for a week to practice my script and get familiar with the culture of Lahore. I came back to shoot for the film and my part wrapped up in five to six days,” Shah says.
Current venture
Shah, who was honoured with the Padma Bhushan award in 2003 for his acting prowess, says that his film’s script is very unique but relatable. “Zinda Bhaag is a film based on the subject of illegal immigration. This is a big problem in Pakistan and India because overpopulation and lack of opportunities makes people desperate to flee to supposedly greener pastures. There are people in this business who lure unemployed youth with false promises of money and luxury and send them abroad illegally. The subject of the film is very good and it deals with different issues that stem from the crime of illegal immigration,” the actor explains.
Talking about his role in the film, Shah shares, “I’m portraying the role of an agent who is involved in this crime. He has different illegal businesses and one of them is to give hope of a ‘dream life’ to youth and coaxes youngsters into giving him all their money. This is a film which is tailor-made for the Pakistani audience. It deals with the problems present in their society.”
Though Shah has worked in super hit film Khuda Ke Liye by Shoaib Mansoor in 2007, Zinda Bhaag will be his Pakistani-Punjabi film debut. “The film is both in Urdu and Punjabi but my dialogues are mostly in Punjabi. I came to Pakistan a month ago because I wanted to get a feel of the language before I start speaking it,” he elucidates.
Apart from Shah, all the actors working in Zinda Bhaag are new and have come from different areas surrounding Lahore. However, the experienced Indian actor practiced with his cast and crew and tried his level best to develop a rapport with them. He also gave training sessions to budding Pakistani actors and gave them tips on how to improve their acting during his last visit to Lahore.
Unfair stereotypes
When asked whether the film would be a commercial masala flick or a serious art film, Shah replies, “I don’t think it’s wise to divide films into these two broad categories. Every film is a commercial film as money is invested in its making. I consider film to be a mass-medium and I think the only two categories films should be divided in are good and bad. There are a lot of commercial films with a lot of dances and songs but are still considered good films, but on the other hand a lot of serious films leave a bad taste in the mouth so one can’t generalise commercial and art like that.”
Keep on believing
The veteran actor says that Pakistani film-makers are on the road to progress and that he is extremely hopeful about the future of Lollywood. “I am hopeful that’s why I am here. In India, many film-makers make films to earn money but every once in a while when I get approached by young film-makers, who dream big, I help them in whatever way I can,” he adds.
The film is directed by Meenu and Farjad and produced by Mazhar Zaidi. The shooting is in its last phase and will be completed within two weeks. The film is expected to release in 2013.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 4th, 2012.

[united pakistan]

[united pakistan]

[PIA777]

[aruz]

Originally Posted by PIA777

Story is similar to the story of Step Up 2 The Streets.

[PIA777]

Originally Posted by aruz

Story is similar to the story of Step Up 2 The Streets.

meh, ill still watch it, looks amazing

[Wolverine]

I don't know about this Javed Sheikh's acting is a big turn off. Can he not over act?

[Pakia]

LAHORE:
Actor and model Saeeda Imtiaz gained popularity when she was casted in Kaptaan, a film based on cricketer-turned-politican Imran Khan’s life as a sportsman that is scheduled for release this fall. In this film, Imtiaz plays the role of the fashionable and elegant Jemima Goldsmith, the former wife of Imran Khan. In conversation with The Express Tribune, Imtiaz talks about the challenges of her role and what her and Goldsmith have in common.

Born and raised in New York, 27-year-old Imtiaz says adjusting to the lifestyle and norms of Pakistanis was a challenge for her. “I thought of giving up many times when I couldn’t adjust out here,” Imtiaz tells The Express Tribune. “I love my country Pakistan, but people here are different compared to people abroad,” she adds.

When she was first offered the role, Imtiaz was nervous about accepting it. “I was a bit reluctant at first but when I heard it was a movie based on Imran Khan and Jemima; I had a word with my family and thought of giving it a shot,” says Imtiaz. She had little acting experience and got her first big break when her friend Asad Rana introduced her to the film’s director, Faisal Aman Khan.

But she had no idea that the film would receive so much attention. “So many people in this country love Imran Khan; the youngsters and adults all adore him and have lots of good things to say about him,” says Imtiaz.

In character

Imtiaz feels she can relate to what Jemima was going through as a foreigner, and that this helped her to perform.

“In real life, Jemima would use a particular Urdu phrase, ‘Chalo chalo’, which was revealed to us by someone very close to their family,” said Imtiaz brightly. She explained that she carefully studied how Goldsmith carried herself, in order to get into character. Watching YouTube clips and working on developing a British accent was part of Imtiaz’s homework since she wanted to bring “an honesty” into the character. “A British accent was the most difficult task for me,” said Imtiaz, adding that mosquito bites were also among her woes on the sets of Kaptaan.

Imtiaz tried hard to understand how Goldsmith’s stay in Pakistan must have been. Both ladies left their hometowns to come to Pakistan and had to deal with the difficulties of adjusting to a conservative culture. She lauds Goldsmith for her sense of style, and for her positive attitude to Pakistani culture and norms.

“She definitely knew how to carry herself in different outfits whether it was a traditional Pakistani dress or a western outfit,” says Imtiaz. “When an Asian girl gets married, she is forced to adjust to her new family and that can be hard. Imagine how difficult it was for Jemima,” she says. “I think it must have been a huge step for a Western woman to adjust to a different culture and country.”

Besides this film, Imtiaz has a career in modeling and is involved in some projects that she will reveal details of in time. While Imtiaz remains unsure of what her ‘dream role’ is, she wants to pursue acting as a career. “I intend to focus more on movies only if movies like Kaptaan and Bol are created. It all depends on where my acting career takes me,” she said.

Published In The Express Tribune, June 28th, 2012.
http://tribune.com.pk/story/400060/k...ima-goldsmith/