Written by: Mahnoor Fatima
Posted on: July 05, 2019 | 
| 中文
China Film Festival
The China Film Festival currently has been in full swing at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA). This event was inaugurated by the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China, H.E. Mr. Yao Jing, Minister of State for Information, Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan and the Director General of PNCA, Mr. Syed Jamal Shah. It marks the celebration of the 70thAnniversary of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), and will celebrate by exclusively featuring Chinese films made by Chinese filmmakers. This festival has been part of a new initiative between the Chinese and Pakistani governments to exchange cultures and understand each other on social - and not just economic - levels.
The festival kicked off with “The Founding of the Republic”, a historical drama released in 2009 to mark the 60th anniversary of the PRC. “Founding” recalls the story of Chairman Mao and the Communist Party of China in the events leading up to the 1949 revolution. Surprisingly, it also features the likes of Jet Li, Jackie Chan and Donnie Yen who are internationally respected and beloved Chinese film stars.
While introducing the film, Mr. Yao explained that the story of “Founding" would resonate well with the Pakistani audience. He pointed out the similarities between the struggles both countries had to endure, and the leaders - Quaid-e-Azam or Chairman Mao Zedong - who spearheaded these long and painful struggles. Dr. Awan furthered this statement by emphasising the need to turn the feelings of camaraderie between Pakistan and China into action in the form of continuous cultural exchanges. She insisted that culture and film are perhaps the best way to build a connection beyond borders and economic policies.
Besides “Founding”, there will be nine other films showcased during the event, and each film crosses time, geography and genre. Some of the other films to be featured are “The Taste of Rice Flower”, “Ashima” and “Brotherhood of the Blades II”. Each film will be shown twice throughout the festival, so that moviegoers would be able to catch the films which interest them the most, depending on their personal preferences.
“Founding” is a little difficult to follow if one is not already familiar with the history of the country or the wider international situation of the time. And this may occur in the other films featured in the festival. But events like these are an excellent way of introducing Pakistani audiences to Chinese culture and aesthetics in an enjoyable and accessible manner. It is through storytelling that both cultures can truly understand their similarities and celebrate their differences beyond the barriers of language and taste.
Both countries are committed to making sure that this exchange runs both ways. The Chinese government has planned to make its newest films more accessible to Pakistani audiences in the future. Pakistani films will also be showcased for Chinese audience. The film “Parwaz hai Junoon (Soaring is Passion)” has been translated into Chinese, and will be screened for the Chinese audiences during their Anniversary celebrations in October. Moreover, both the Chinese and Pakistani officials expressed a desire to make collaborative films. One of these films in the making revolves around a Chinese football coach who empowers Pakistani women by teaching them football.
Along with film screenings, there will also be a conference on Chinese Cinematography on Friday. With a free entry, film lovers are encouraged to join the conference and understand the diverse and detailed art of Chinese filmmaking. Mr. Shah expressed great enthusiasm for this opportunity to learn from one of the leading film industries of the world, and improve our storytelling methods.
This is both an opportunity to join our Chinese friends in celebrating their country as well as learn new filmmaking techniques to polish and broaden the scope of films in Pakistan . Be sure to join fellow Sinophiles and Cinephiles at PNCA for a unique opportunity to watch Chinese films at their finest. The festival ends on 6th July.
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