ISLAMABAD: The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Cultural Caravan Festival kicked off on Sunday at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) amidst thrilling tunes of the dhol, a fashion show, a photo exhibition, screening of documentaries and cultural performances. The Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing and the Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting & National Heritage Marriyam Aurangzeb were the chief guests at the opening ceremony. Speaking on the occasion, Chinese ambassador Yao Jing said the success of CPEC depended on the interaction and collaboration of people from both the countries. The collaboration would enhance the ties between the people for lasting bilateral economic and political bond between China and Pakistan. Marriyam Aurangzeb said the CPEC was not about the performance of the present regime but it was the future of the next generation. The successful implementation of CPEC would bring prosperity to the nation while it would also lead to regional integrity. The regional cultural performances depicting folk heritage of Pakistan marked the opening ceremony of the CPEC Cultural Caravan that was being held at PNCA Islamabad. The guests were greeted by the performers who sang and danced at the beat of the dhol and created a festive ambiance to the ceremony. A grand art exhibition was also inaugurated that showcased the paintings, drawings and art work produced by artists of CPEC Cultural Caravan. A series of books and research reports was also part of the caravan to document, preserve and promote the cultural and artistic expressions of the diverse communities around the Silk Route and CPEC. A documentary was also screened at the ceremony that showcased the work of professional photographers and artists of Pakistan and China that they captured during the CPEC Cultural Caravan journey. CPEC Youth Contest entries, documentaries and a photo montage by filmmakers were also screened, each dedicated to one of the cities on the CPEC route, showing historical backgrounds, culture, history, tourist attractions and monuments. Panel discussions and cultural stalls showcasing regional culture were organised. The stalls of traditional food and cuisine from Pakistan and China were also established within the premises of PNCA. Regional handicrafts included embroidered dresses, ceramics, wall hangings, vases and handcrafted carpets. Chinese and Pakistani songs were presented by singers from both the countries. Veteran actor Mustafa Qureshi while discussing the challenges faced by the film industry, said that it was now high time that the Pakistani film industry was given a proper name, as it had been ages since it was being called Lollywood. Renowned actor and director Usman Peerzada said that the film censor board should not allow irrelevant guests on the panel when the censorship has to be decided. Acclaimed actor Hameed Sheikh said that financial support was required for every film and the government should lend support in that regard. Artist and filmmaker Mumtaz Hussain raised a very valid point. He said that there were no archives for the film industry. “Even film posters should be preserved as it is also an art. We should be given free access to historic monuments. Our students should also be taught about our own local artists, directors and producers,” he said. Actor and director Rehan Sheikh, who also present at the event, said that there should be a law to safeguard the local films. “The government should implement such a law. In Canada and in Britain, the government supports the film industry. Corporate brands should support our film industry. They have pumped in huge money in the film industry and the actors are demanding exuberant amounts from the producers,” he informed. The speakers demanded that the films should be dubbed in Chinese and Arabic so it’s easier to release them in China and Saudi Arabia. “The cinema should be made accessible to everyone. The tickets should be less expensive, so that everyone can come and watch films,” they said. Published in Daily Times, February 26th 2018.