Outside the dingy and old Metropole cinema in Lahore, for the first time in years, huge crowds showed up for the premiere of Pakistani films Bhai Log, Love Mein Ghum and Jugni. The quality and effort put in the films contributed to what the producers claim was a successful run for Pakistani films that were released this Eid. “We have not had this much rush in years,” commented Ashraf who works at the ticket sale office at Metropole cinema. “Most of our shows are selling out for the first time …

At first glance one is instantly swayed and enthralled by Reema’s slick promo for her film Love Mein Ghum. With Ali Zafar’s vocals and a glittering roll call of the film, television and fashion industry’s (arguably) finest, the film’s title track, “Love Mein Ghum”, reeks heavily of another title song, “Om Shanti Om” and the over arching camaraderie that it sought to project and promote within the Indian film fraternity onto the screens.
That particular song worked brilliantly for the film since it spoke of all ‘stars’ (a pun on constellations …

The recent string of newly released Pakistani films has failed to make a dent in box office sales, suggesting a continued decline of Lollywood, due to the lack of response by audiences.
Cinema owners suggest that the film-makers must make movies of international standards if they are to capture the Pakistani market. They said that very few films had been released this year, including Urdu film Khamosh Raho and Punjabi film Ek Ghazi Aur. Both lasted merely three days at the box office and were deemed as ‘utter failures’ due to …

On June 19, the deserted Zaibunnisa street came to life when celebrities and media personnel arrived in hordes and struggled to find parking spots near Atrium Cinemas. Subsequently, they made their way to the cinema for the much-awaited premiere of Bol — the biggest venture in Pakistani entertainment this year. Those who randomly tried to wander into the cinema thinking that they could buy a ticket to the event, were sorely disappointed since it was an invitation-only affair.
The film’s opening was a savvy event. A long red carpet paved the …

Naming a film is an important task, and many associate the success of a film to its title. In Lollywood, the title may have importance, but the titles of many films just rot in papers and never make it to the film sets.
There is a huge list of films at All Pakistan Film Producers Association (APFPA), a body that is also responsible for registering film names, which never made it to sets. “Some producers get a film title registered on their name only to sell it afterwards. All you have …

According to the documents available, some 18 films have been registered with the Pakistan Film Producers Association (PFPA) since the start of 2011.
However not a single Urdu or Punjabi film has been released so far. PFPA, a body which is responsible for registering film titles, has listed some high profile films including Oscar by Meera, Hum Nahi Hain Dehshat Gard by Chaudhary Rehmat Ali and Aman Ke Aasha by Hameed Alam, since January. However, the cinema halls are still waiting for a Pakistani film.
The only Pakistani film that has so …

According to a news report in Daily Times on July 7 , the government officials have, for the first time, gone on record to state that Pakistani cinemas were likely to be given permission to screen Indian films in three months.
According to a news-report filed by Anjum Gill in Daily Times, “Federal Additional Secretary for Culture Zafar Ahmed said that Pakistani cinemas were likely to be given permission to screen Indian films in three months.
“A summary about the screening of Indian films in Pakistan is to be sent to the …

It appears as if the floodgates have been opened for foreign entertainment and news channels. The last couple of years have seen an invasion by cable channels, which can be seen wherever you go, from restaurants and homes to shops. This is all part of the phenomenon called ‘globalisation’. Pakistani viewers, noticeably, are losing interest in local channels because of the glitz and glamor of the foreign media. It is easy to see that the majority of images beaming out of television sets are of foreign films and shows. Viewers …

Glasgow will play host to the UK’s first Pakistani film, media and arts festival next month which will attempt to bring cutting edge films and art exhibitions under one roof.
Titled Pehlee Dharkan (first heartbeat), the film festival intends to inform audiences and the wider community on what film-making in Pakistan really has to offer.
Organizers say it will allow them to savor the experience of a socially-engaged documentary/art-film sector, as well as the entertaining and cultish world of commercial cinema in Pakistan. It will take place from 13th to 25th September.
The …