Federal Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar announced earlier this week that a Hollywood production team is coming to Pakistan to produce a global film about the country’s dynamic culture.
A panel including Mashal Saqib, Luisa Iskin, Andrew James Fiero, Sadia Ashraf, Badr Ikram, and James MC Milan gathered to talk about Pakistan’s film development and heritage.
According to the information minister, the Hollywood production team’s film will be a turning point for Pakistan’s film industry. He thanked the Hollywood team for choosing to make a film on Pakistani culture. “It is a great honor for our culture and people,” he said, adding that Pakistan is a rich country with a rich heritage.
“Our history, literature, music, and art are unique and respected in the world,” said Tarar.
He explained the steps taken by the government to revive the film industry and said it was the only step in Pakistan to get tax amnesty.
According to Tarrar, “The Shehbaz Sharif-led government has restored the film policy to its previous terms.”
Furthermore, the film industry has been given the status of an industry to encourage the youth of the country to pursue a career in the film industry and participate in efforts to develop the film industry.
Filmmakers were given a five-year tax break in the 2022-2023 budget. Similarly, the opening of new cinemas, production companies and film museums are exempted from income tax for five years, and the export of drama and films is exempted from tax for 10 years.
International filmmakers are also granted concessions for film and drama projects co-produced with established producers. Hence, the requirement that 70% of the films that are shot in Pakistan are carried out to support commercial activities such as art and tourism.
Those working on the film hope it will open up new opportunities for the country’s diversity and beauty. Hopefully with the release of this film, the image of Pakistan as a center of radicalism will be destroyed in the eyes of the world community.
The Hollywood production team seemed impressed with the arrival, despite the political turmoil and security issues. Thanking the minister for his help and good hospitality, he said he was inspired by his cultural heritage and rich people. “Pakistan has a huge potential to make films and we want to help the local industry grow,” he said.
Tarar also said that the government will extend all assistance and cooperation to the Hollywood production team.
