Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, today called for joint film productions between Pakistan and Iran, marking a significant diplomatic push during the 43rd Fajr Film Festival where, for the first time, three Pakistani movies were featured.
Representing Pakistan as a special guest, Minister Khichi delivered a keynote address stressing that collaborative filmmaking would enhance the strong social, cultural, and fraternal ties shared by the two neighboring countries.
He described cinema as a potent medium for cultural exchange, suggesting that a reciprocal screening arrangement-showing Iranian films in Pakistan and vice versa-would foster greater understanding and bring the people of both nations closer together.
The festival marked a historic milestone for Pakistan”s film industry with the screening of “Actor in Law,” “Umro Ayyar – A New Beginning,” and “Taxali Gate.” A delegation of leading Pakistani filmmakers accompanied the minister to the event in the historic city of Shiraz.
During a visit to the Pakistan Pavilion at the festival, Khichi met with the chairman of Iran’s Cinematic Foundation. He extended an official invitation for the chairman to visit Pakistan and engage with key stakeholders in the local cinema industry.
The minister concluded by reiterating his government”s firm commitment to the revival and advancement of the cinematic arts in Pakistan.