Key Takeaways
- Punjab’s first modern film city will be inaugurated on December 15.
- A proposed budget of Rs. 589 million has been approved for the Film City Authority.
- Plans include restoring old cinema halls and setting up a film and music school.
Punjab’s first modern film city is set to be inaugurated on December 15, as announced during the first meeting of the Punjab Film Authority. The meeting, chaired by Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, approved several key decisions aimed at reviving the local film industry and promoting modern filmmaking.
Maryam Nawaz, Punjab’s Chief Minister, has approved the drafting of Pakistan’s first royalty law for artists, directing that the proposed legislation be presented at the next meeting of the Film Authority. This move is part of a broader initiative to support local artists and enhance the quality of films produced in the region.
The meeting also approved the setting up of a film and music school, a film trading house, a post-production facility, and a studio complex with modern soundstages. Additionally, Pakistan’s largest convention center will be built in Punjab, further cementing the province’s position as a key player in the film industry.
Marriyum Aurangzeb directed officials to present a film rebate framework at the next week’s meeting. The rebate policy is designed to provide financial support to filmmakers, thereby improving production quality. A single-window online platform will also be launched to assist filmmakers in choosing suitable shooting locations.
A proposed budget of Rs. 589 million for the Film City Authority has been sent to the finance committee for review. The authority also approved hiring 26 people against 53 vacant posts in the first phase. The board will hold hiring and firing powers within the Film City Authority.
Plans to restore old cinema halls, equip them with solar power systems, and introduce online ticketing were also approved. Capacity-building training programs for young filmmakers, conducted by international experts, will be launched. These initiatives follow the Punjab government’s plan to launch a one dollar cinema project, aimed at making cinema more accessible to the public.
The move to turn Punjab into an international hub for screen tourism within five years is part of the broader strategy. Marriyum Aurangzeb stated that the initiative would showcase the province’s rich culture and heritage on the global stage. The Film City is expected to play a crucial role in achieving this goal by providing a state-of-the-art facility for filmmakers and enhancing the cinematic experience for audiences.
The Film City will serve as an integrated media production hub in Lahore, offering a range of facilities from post-production to film trading. This comprehensive approach is expected to boost the local film industry and attract both national and international talent.
