Iran Film Festival opens in Karachi amidst public excitement

KARACHI, Feb 14 (APP):A four-day Iran Film Festival opened here Wednesday evening offering people in general and connoisseur of art in
particular an opportunity to also enjoy movies that have gained
international acclaim over the years.
The festival to continue till February 18 was formally
inaugurated by known film director and actor Javed Shaikh amidst
presence of a sizable number of people from different walks of life
at Khana e Farhang, Culture Centre of Islamic Republic of Iran,
Karachi.
Two films, dubbed into Urdu and encompassing wide range of
subjects, will be screened on daily basis from 1500 hours to 1700
hours.
Shaikh, on behalf of citizens expressed his gratitude to the
Ministry of Culture Affairs of Islamic Republic of Iran and the
Director of Khana e Farhang for providing a chance to the people to
have a glimpse of the developments in the lives of people with whom
they enjoy long ties and strong bondage.
Mentioning that film industry in Iran has been cultivated on
strong lines and are not only internationally recognized for their
content but also technical excellence, Shaikh said the festival is
also an opportunity for Pakistan’s film industry to initiate joint
ventures with Iran.
“In view of the culture, tradition and above all the religion we
share this is definitely a chance to further strengthen our
relationship,” he said.
“It has been well communicated by our brothers from Iran that
despite no music and dance films is a medium that can attract public
attraction on basis of its substance,” he said adding feature films
are an efficient tool to bring about needed changes in the public mind
set.
Dr. Muhammad Raza Baqri, Director, Khana e Farhang said since
Islamic revolution in his country concerted efforts were made to
promote Islamic values with particular focus on the fact that Islam
itself is a progressive religion.
‘We as followers of Islam have to contribute towards progress in
every sphere of life in accordance with our religious norms, he said.
“Since the revolution films and other relevant mediums have been
turned into gadget of awareness so as to bring about needed change in
public perception about life itself and their responsibilities towards
each other,” he elaborated.
Samar Raza, a budding film maker of Pakistan and Agha Moosavi,
media coordinator of the culture centre also spoke on the occasion.