Category: Entertainment

UNITED NATIONS-The first-ever Pakistan Film Festival kicked off Friday night with a largely-attended red carpet reception at UN Headquarters in New York in the presence of some of the biggest Pakistani stars, ambassadors accredited to the UN, community members, media and movie buffs.

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, saying 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.

In his brief remarks, 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.

Ambassador Lodhi told the gathering that the festival has been organized to both acknowledge the remarkable revival of Pakistan’s cinema and to showcase and celebrate it.

“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.”

Since assuming charge as Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to UN, Ambassador Lodhi has undertaken several cultural projects and organized a series of events to promote Pakistan’s soft image and highlight its modern and vibrant culture but also its ancient civilizational roots.

The Pakistan Mission, under her leadership, organized a “Sufi Night” at the UN General Assembly hall to mark Pakistan Day earlier this year featuring Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.

She also organized an Exhibition of Contemporary Art from Pakistan at the UN, which showcased some of the best works of art to demonstrate how Pakistan is becoming a powerhouse of creativity.  She was also instrumental in bringing the Lahore Literary Festival to the Asia Society in New York.

Quetta-Seasoned Pakistani actress Zeba Bakhtiar, praising the capabilities of provincial actors, said that Balochitsan is cradle of arts.

Addressing a ceremony of short-screened movies about competition organized by National Accountability Balochistan the other day, she said it was a moment of proud for her to have found an opportunity to serve Balochistan.

She added dramas and films can be materialized as an imperative instrument to project awareness about corruption. She noted actors and producers can ameliorate society by documenting films on such subjects of corruption.

The NAB Balochistan would award Rs 70,000 to first position winning film, 50,000 to second winner movie and 30,000 to third film winner on December 9 on World Corruption Day.

WEB DESK – Pakistan’s leading film distribution and production house in Pakistan ARY Films will be showcasing 4 films at the first Pakistan Film Festival organised by the Pakistan Mission in New York on Dec 3rd & 4th, 2016.

Two recently released movies under the ARY Films banner, Dobara Phir Se and Lahore Say Aagey will be premiering at the Film Festival in New York. In addition, Oscar award winner Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy’s animated blockbuster 3 Bahadur and Mahira Khan starrer Ho Mann Jahaan will also be screened during the two-day festival.

“It is a proud moment for ARY Films to be a part of this film festival, and showcasing some of the brilliant body of work we have brought forth under our umbrella to this prestigious audience,” stated Salman Iqbal, Founder and President of ARY Digital Network, who will also be attending the Film Festival.

To support their films being showcased at the Film Festival, the actors & directors are also going to be in New York including Mahira Khan, Saba Qamar, Wajahat Rauf, Yasir Hussain, Sheheryar Munawar, Asim Raza, Tooba Siddiqui, Adeel Husain, Sanam Saeed and Mehreen Jabbar.

• LAHORE – Following the epic Season Finale of the biggest and the boldest season of Coke Studio yet, Coca-Cola Pakistan is giving fans a chance to meet some of their favourite Coke Studio artists at McDonald’s outlets across Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.

  Over the years, Coke Studio has become an icon and source of pride for Pakistan. By representing the sound of the nation, Coke Studio not only brings together Pakistani’s from around the country but also helps project a positive image of the country to the rest of the world.

  McDonald’s recently entered into collaboration with Coca Cola, bringing the magic of Coke Studio to McDonald’s in your city. McDonald’s strongly believes that art is the key to bringing about positive change in society.

  During surprise visits by Coke Studio artists at McDonald’s restaurants, fans will be able to chat with and interact face to face with Noori, Ali Sethi, RachealViccaji, Junaid Khan and Umair Jaswal!

  The activity has already kicked off in Lahore. Fans were overjoyed to see Noori amongthem answering questions, taking selfies, jamming along with songs for more than an hour at McDonald’s Y Block, DHA. The activity also featured lucky draw in which winners walked away with exclusive Coke Studio 9 signed merchandize.

LAHORE – The Little Art organised the grand opening ceremony for the 8th International Children’s Film Festival at Faletti’s Hotel yesterday.

The guests list for the opening ceremony will include Minister of Education & Youth Affairs Rana Mashood Ahmad Khan, Alhamra Arts Council Chairman Kamran Lashari, Cinepax CEO Pir Saad Ahsanud Din, National Development Officer of the Royal Danish Embassy Ms Juwairia Sultan, and James Norton from Paper Planes Association Australia.

Films that have been made by Pakistani students and selected to screen at the festival this year were awarded certificates and prizes by the guests. The ceremony also screened a showreel of the officially selected films of the festival season.

Addressing the audience, Juwairia Sultan said the Government of Denmark has been supporting promotion of art and culture in Pakistan, because they believe it is important to nurture youth and introduce them to some of the most fundamental qualities of being human – such as creativity, freedom of expression, and innovation. “Our support is also driven by the fact there is a need to integrate creative art with education. We believe – as research also proves – that children who are engaged in creative art show stronger critical thinking and problem solving skills as well as display higher levels of social and cultural tolerance,” she added.

“I think this is a great initiative to provoke the creativity and imagination in children. It is my dream to see this culture develop inculcated in our children, only then we can see our children become the next creative leaders in Pakistan. This kind of forum is necessary for our collective future and I wish The Little Art the best of luck,” Kamran Lashari stated.

Rana Mashood, while addressing the audience, said: “We are putting emphasis on the development of children, and giving necessary resources for them to develop. It is a big way forward by the Punjab government to as we are opening up our public schools to such activities as organised by The Little Art to promote their development. This year, we are going to collaborate with The Little Art to take the festival to other cities in Punjab as well,” the provincial minister added.

This year, the festival will be presented by The Little Art in collaboration with Cinepax Cinemas from 21st November till 26th November, 2016 at the Cinepax Cinema, Fortress Square, Lahore. A total of 80 films for children from 26 countries will be showcased at the festival.

Festival Director Shoaib Iqbal said: “This year is a celebration of the most amazing experiences in children’s cinema in Pakistan. We are grateful to the CKU and Royal Danish Embassy for supporting our initiatives this year, through which we were able to go to remote areas like Bhakkar, Tando Jam and Jamshoro to develop their skills in film making and to experience an international film festival for the first time in their region.”

 

[Lahore-]: Cinepax Cinemas, Pakistan’s favorite cinema chain has partnered with The Little Art Organization for hosting the 8^thInternational Children’s Film Festival in Pakistan powered by Oye Hoye & sponsored by Candyland Yums.

Yet again, Cinepax has worked together with The Little Art for the 8^thInternational Children’s Film Festival in Pakistan and we have received more than 1,100 entries for the festival which will showcase the best 80 shortlisted movies from 26 countries, catering to 6000 to 8000 kids.

The movies will be screened at Cinepax Fortress Square Lahore from the 21^st of November till the 26^th of November.

“It is a remarkable platform for young film makers, children and adults to participate in ICFF. Cinepax tends to bring the best cinematic experience along with interactive session of sharing ideas of arts through films” said, Mohsin Yaseen, GM Marketing Cinepax.

Cinepax Cinemas is the leader in the concept of luxury cinemas in Pakistan and takes pride in being Pakistan’s largest cinema network committed to provide unmatched quality entertainment.

LAHORE: Pakistani film actress Meera denied rumours that she had kicked out her mother from her home, stating that there was no truth to the rumours.

After media reports claimed that Pakistani actress Meera had kicked her mother out of her house for stealing, Meera denied the rumours and instead claimed that her mother had not committed any sort of theft. Meera categorically denied the rumours and stated that she lived in her house and her mother lived in her very own, hence there was no truth to the media reports.

The actress has made headlines in the past as well for controversies and her inability to converse fluently in English.

 

LAHORE: Pakistani singers Nouman Javed and Fariha Pervez finally ended their marriage as they were granted a divorce by the court, based on mutual consent, on Tuesday. 

Proceedings were held at a Civil Court in Lahore during which divorce papers were produced as evidence for in front of the court. Fariha Pervez also withdrew her previously filed Khula request from the Civil Court.

The couple had gotten married to each other in 2016 after which their marriage suffered a separation. According to media reports, Nouman Javed attempted suicide but managed to survive.

However, Nouman denied reports that he had attempted suicide due to his disputes with Fariha Pervez. Nouman Javed has already gotten married to actress Jana Malik, whom he met after he separated from his ex-wife Fariha Pervez.

NEW YORK-A film festival, the first-ever in the United States showcasing top-rated Pakistani movies, will be held in New York from December 3-4, organized by the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations, it was announced Tuesday. The venue for the Pakistan Film Festival will be the prestigious Asia Society, New York.

During two days, audiences will be shown some of the finest films coming out of Pakistan at a time when cinema is undergoing an extraordinary revival in the country.

The films 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. The Festival is part of the continuing effort by Pakistan’s UN Mission, led by Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi, to project the country’s soft power.

“Young film makers in Pakistan are producing an incredibly diverse and entertaining array of movies which are contributing to the cultural renaissance underway in the country which is also reflected in the profusion of creative voices found today in Pakistan’s art, music, literature and the media,” she said. “We are bringing some of Pakistan’s movies to New York so that diplomats from 193 countries at the UN also have an opportunity to see what the country’s entertainment industry is producing,” she added.

The festival will kick off with a red carpet reception on Dec 2 at the United Nations where Ambassadors and representatives accredited to the UN will be invited, as well as members of the Pakistani diaspora, media and film buffs.

A number of celebrities from the film industry will also attend the Festival as well as directors and producers of some of the movies being featured.

Since assuming charge as Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to UN, Ambassador Lodhi has undertaken several cultural projects and organized a series of events to promote Pakistan’s soft image and highlight its modern and vibrant culture but also its ancient civilizational roots. The Pakistan Mission, under her leadership, organized a “Sufi Night” at the UN General Assembly hall to mark Pakistan Day earlier this year featuring Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.

She also organized an Exhibition of Contemporary Art from Pakistan at the UN, which showcased some of the best works of art to demonstrate how Pakistan is becoming a powerhouse of creativity.  She was also instrumental in bringing the Lahore Literary Festival to the Asia Society in New York.

“Cultural diplomacy is an essential part of a diplomat’s job aimed at winning hearts and minds”, Ambassador Lodhi says, adding that “Pakistan has much to offer the world in this regard, and our responsibility is to take this to the international arena.”

Karachi- Pakistan’s most popular reality show, Miss Veet Pakistan, today revealed the theme song for the show titled ‘Dil Ki Qasam’ featuring Noori and Sara Haider.

Shani and Shuja Haider composed the song ‘Dil Ki Qasam’ while Aleena Naghman from Frame Collective directed the video.

“Up to 1,000 contestants auditioned from all over the country this year to get a chance to groom themselves and transform into their best selves via the platform of Miss Veet Pakistan. Noori and Sara Haider joined hands with Veet in capturing the essence of the platform and taking forward the message to all the young girls of Pakistan”, shares Maha Changez, Brand Manager Veet.

“Working on this version of Dil Ki Qasam for Miss Veet Pakistan was a first for us in a lot of ways – and now that the song is out we are honored to have played a little part on this mission of transformation that Veet has embarked upon.” commented the Noori duo on the song.

Sara Haider, who has collaborated with Noori in Dil Ki Qasam as a vocalist, said I’m very happy to have worked for this great initiative! Ali, Hamza, Shuja and I have created something that speaks about finding your own power rather than waiting to be empowered. The appeal of the song is very exciting and I can’t wait for everyone to experience it! The girls I spent time with are not just incredible women but awesome, energetic and driven people; the nation is going to love them all.

Miss Veet Pakistan is aired every Saturday on Hum TV at 7:00pm and 16 other national channels including TV One and Dawn News.