Reviving Pakistan’s Film Industry for National Narrative Projection: Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb Emphasizes Importance of Screen Tourism

Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Marriyum Aurangzeb, emphasized the significance of revitalizing and expanding Pakistan’s film industry as a means to project the national narrative through screen tourism. Speaking at the departure ceremony for 25 high achievers of the National Amateur Film Festival Award bound for Australia, the minister highlighted the potential of screen tourism in spreading the narrative of Pakistan, citing successful examples from countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Iran.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting sponsored a one-year training program in the New York Academy, Australia, for these 25 students, aiming to promote Pakistan’s narrative focusing on heritage, youth engagement, and tourism through screen tourism.

Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb emphasized the need to invest in Pakistan’s entertainment industry, which currently enjoys tax exemptions. She expressed her optimism for a revival of the industry over the next decade, enabling it to compete with neighboring countries and international markets. Recognizing the setbacks faced by Pakistan’s film industry between 1970 and 2000, the minister acknowledged the boost experienced since 2000 but highlighted challenges such as the absence of cinemas and affordability issues.

To address these challenges, the government introduced a film policy in 2017 after extensive research and consultations. Incentives for the film industry were included in the 2018 budget, and a dedicated film division was established in the ministry. The film sector currently enjoys zero taxation, with income tax exemptions for individuals and production houses. Import of equipment for film and drama production has also been exempted from taxes. Additionally, corporate entities providing funds for film production can claim CSR tax credits from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

The government has approved a film finance fund with an initial allocation of Rs 2 billion, operated through the Film Council, to support budding producers. To make entertainment accessible to the public, cinema income has been exempted from taxation for the first ten years, particularly for cinemas offering affordable ticket prices.

Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb cited the success of the new version of the movie “Maula Jatt” as an example of the industry’s revival, generating significant business overseas in multiplex cinemas.

The minister highlighted the availability of film production and drama degree courses in universities like NUST, Iqra, and LUMS, as well as schools and colleges, nurturing a talent pool for the industry. The revitalized PTV academy, equipped with modern studios, will be open to schools and colleges, providing opportunities for the youth to gain knowledge and experience in film production.

Marriyum Aurangzeb congratulated the high achievers of the National Amateur Film Festival Award heading to Australia, expressing her hopes that they will become instructors and contribute to the industry’s growth upon their return. She wished them the best of luck in their future endeavors.