Indian film shows - a temporary process to save cinema industry.

ISLAMABAD, March 30, 2012 (Balochistan Times): The screening of Indian movies at Pakistani cinema houses is a temporary step to save cinema industry till the revival of Pakistans own film industry, said Chairman Central Board of Film Censors on Thursday. The decision of Indian movie shows in our cinemas is only a temporary step to keep the cinemas functioning across the country while satisfactory steps are being taken to revive our own film industry within a year, Barrister Shahnawaz Noon said. Pakistani film industry commonly known as Lolly wood was on a constant downfall for the last 12 years which not only affected the entertainment opportunities to movie lovers in the country but also incurred losses to those associated with this profession. He blamed the Musharraf government for neglecting the dying film industry and said the present government took all stakeholders on board and announced funds for various projects to revive and make it a competitive industry. Besides giving funds to artists, technicians and other persons associated with film production, the project of National Film Academy, Film Laboratory, establishment of four cinema houses in the federal capital, scholarships for studying film making subjects, and reduction in additional taxes, were approved to encourage people especially youth for taking interest in this field, he said. The Chairman said the board of old members has been dissolved and new members have been appointed to change the setup and bring young talent to introduce new ideas for the benefit of film industry in the country. He was of the view that Indian movie shows are being screened only on temporary basis and the establishment of Film Laboratory and Funds announced by Prime Minister will be able to improve the status of Lolly wood films within six months. Commenting on the working of Pakistani artists in Indian movies, he said, Besides filmmakers, it is also the responsibility of our artists to make efforts for revival of their own industry instead of leaving it.

(THROUGH ASIA PULSE)