A galaxy of Pakistani film stars studded the UN Headquarters in New York as the first-ever Film Festival began after a glittering Friday night event.
UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson, who was the chief guest, congratulated the Pakistan Mission to the UN for organizing the two-day festival that will showcase at Asia Society top-rated Pakistani movies over the weekend.
He noted that cultural events such as this one played a key role in promoting better understanding among peoples of the world.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations Maleeha Lodhi, who took the initiative to hold the festival, read out a welcome address, saying the films from Pakistan will convey the energy and dynamism that defines today’s Pakistan.
Acknowledging creativity of the artists, Eliasson, the UN deputy secretary-general, also said that art, film and music build bridges across cultures and promote peace through inter-cultural understanding.
He welcomed Pakistani film stars to the United Nations, saying, “You have given life to this building.”
“You have already conquered Pakistan, now you will conquer New York,” he said, as applause rang out.
Pakistani actors, who travelled to New York from Pakistan, included Mahira Khan, Mawra Hocane, Nabeel Qureshi, Saba Qamar, Wajahat Rauf, Yasir Hussain, Sheheryar Munawar, Asim Raza, Tooba Siddiqui, Adeel Hussain, Sanam Saeed, Jerjees Seja (JJ), Producer, Afia Serena Nathaniel and Mehreen Jabbar.
But Sabiha Khanum, the popular heroine of the 50s and 60s, received the biggest applause when Ambassador Lodhi introduced her.
The films to be screened include two brand new ones, which will premiere in New York, Dobara Pher Say and Lahore Say Agay. Others will include Actor in law, Pakistan’s Oscar nomination, Mahe Meer, Oscar award winner Sharmeen Obaid’s animated film, 3 Bahadur, Dukhtar, Dance Kahani and Ho Mann Jahan.
In Ambassador Lodhi’s words the festival has been organized to both acknowledge the remarkable revival of Pakistan’s cinema and to showcase and celebrate it.
Legendary actress Sabiha Khanum and her granddaughter Sarish Khan Photo courtesy Sarish Khan Facebook
“This revival has been spearheaded by a new wave of young filmmakers and actors; they have produced a devise array of movies that have been pushing the boundaries and charting and breaking new ground by tackling bold themes and using digital technology,” she said.
“It is appropriate that we are launching the Festival here at the United Nations which embodies and represents the finest example of our shared humanity,” the Pakistani envoy said.
“Art, it is rightly said, transcends borders and connects people from different backgrounds and nations and unites all civilizations and cultures in a collective celebration of our emotional lives.”
The film festival is the latest in a series of initiatives the Pakistani Mission has taken to present Pakistan’s creative achievements and project a soft image the country. These events highlight its modern and vibrant culture but also its ancient civilizational roots.
Dr. Lodhi also organized a “Sufi Night” at the UN General Assembly hall to mark Pakistan Day earlier this year featuring Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.
An exhibition of contemporary art from Pakistan at the UN earlier also showcased some of the best works of art to demonstrate how Pakistan is becoming a powerhouse of creativity. Another key initiative the Mission took under Dr. Lodhi’s leadership was the introduction of Lahore Literary Festival to the Asia Society in New York.
