KARACHI: Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said on Saturday that after the 18th amendment film industry had become a provincial subject, and his government intended to regularly organize film festival to promote the industry in the country. He expressed these views while he was delivering his presidential speech at `Karachi Sub Ka – Asia Peace Film Festival organized by the Culture Department in collaboration with the Information Department. He said that the theme of the festival `Karachi Sub Ka’ is an inspiring and appealing message. “No doubt, Karachi has a moderate and a plural society and the city belongs to each and every one living here, doing business here, or linked here directly or indirectly,” he said, adding, “the ownership of this city would definitely further foster fraternity and brotherhood among the people of different languages, thoughts and religions living here peacefully”. The chief minister lauded the efforts of Minister for Culture Syed Sardar Shah for organizing such events which show the actual harmony in society. “The provincial government would continue its efforts for promotion of films and restoration of Cinema industry in the province,” he said. He said that in the festival over 50 countries are participating and more than 109 films would be screened. “This is good for sharing technological experiences, script work, script techniques and different technologies used in the industry to explore film market in different countries,” he said. “I feel proud to see events like literary festivals, food festivals, film festivals, musical programmes, and literary sittings in the city that was once the target of terrorists, mafias, outlaws and gangsters,” Murad Ali Shah said and added “today the city is emerging as a city of peace, tranquility, trade, industry and seat of learning and a city of lights.” Murad Ali Shah said that the film festival would also help promote tourism which is evident from the fact that over 400 people of different countries have come to witness, participate and enjoy the film festival. Earlier, the chief minister launched the four-day film festival that will run from February 23 to 26, by cutting the tap. He also visited painting exhibition held on the occasion of film festival. The first day of the festival attracted a large crowd including youngsters and students who said that they were looking forward to some of the movies scheduled to be screened at the event. They also hoped that festivals would be arranged in the city where films from lesser known industries across the globe would be screened. They said that while most people knew just about Hollywood an Bollywood, there were vibrant film industries producing critically acclaimed movies in many other countries. In particular, they said, Iranian industry was renowned all over the world for its critically acclaimed movies. They urged the organizers to hope more festivals where these lesser known industries were promoted and where films produced on historical themes were shown to the public. Some students also urged the organizers to consider holding similar festival in smaller cities and towns as well. Published in Daily Times, February 25th 2018.