Daily Times

HYDERABAD: In an attempt to revive Sindh’s struggling film industry, University of Sindh Jamshoro kick-started a 4-day Sindhi Film Festival to promote film artists in the province and celebrate their contribution in the field.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by veteran actor Mustafa Qureshi. A statue of late Sindhi music legend, Alan Faqeer, was also unveiled by Sindh Minister of Culture and Tourism and Education Syed Sardar Ali Shah.

University of Sindh Vice Chancellor Dr Fateh Muhammad Burfat spoke to a seminar during the opening ceremony, which was also attended by Syed Sardar Ali Shah, who was the chief guest.

Other guests included Nagma Farooq, Amjad Shah, Qalanda Shah Lakiyari, Mehtab Akber Rashdi, Shahnawaz Bhatti, Mehmood Mughal, Suhail Sangi, Mustafa Qureshi, Syed Noor Shah, Akber Laghari, Ghulam Abbas Solangi, Naaz Sehto, Farooq Rind, Shahnaz Bhatti, Naseer Mirza, Siraj ul Haq Soomro, Fida Hussain Bhagat, Majid Ali Lashari, Dr Raj Ashok and Chaand Sahab among other renowned personalities from the Sindhi film industry.

Welcoming guests to the event and expressing special gratitude to Shah, Pakistan’s film giant Mustafa Qureshi and legendary producer Syed Noor, Dr. Burfat said that he saw potential prospects of restoration and rebirth Sindhi film glory.

“I reckon this seminar is a pebble in the stagnant waters of Sindhi films that ruled cinema form 1951 to 1997 — a period in which 83 stunning Sindhi movies were produced and screened to the immeasurable delight of viewers. This seminar has raised points that will certainly culminate into revival of this rich industry,” Burfat said.

Film star Mustafa Qureshi proposed establishment of Sindh Film Development Corporation (SFDC), adding that via proper government interest, patronage by affluent social class and struggle by people who had films as their first love, the Sindhi film industry could retrieve its lost glory. Minister Shah, welcoming Mustafa Qureshi’s proposal, announced establishment of Sindh Film Development Corporation (SFDC) and said a meeting in this regard would be called to chart future course of action.

Shah said Institute of Sindhology should assume the responsibility of bridging the gap between film stars and provincial government to materialise the given project effectively.

Eminent film producer Syed Noor said he was ecstatic to have received so much love at the varsity. “I am simply stunned to know about the rich and magnificent past of Sindhi film industry. And I must not hesitate in admitting that I have found it to be far better in many ways,” Noor said.

The director assured that he would do all at his command and disposal to help Sindhi films regain their original position.

Noted scholar Mehtab Akbar Rashdi stressed the need to generate a market in Sindh, Pakistan and the countries abroad with palpable presence of Sindhi diaspora.

Illustrious columnist and radio anchor Naseer Mirza, television producer Dr. Ghulam Mustafa Solangi and famous film journalist Syed Fida Hussain Shah presented papers on various technical and creative aspects of Sindhi movies.

On the occasion, appreciation shields were awarded to individuals who had one way or the other contributed to the development and promotion of Sindhi films at various points of time in the past.

A comprehensive documentary prepared by Pakistan Television veteran producer Dr. Ghulam Mustafa Solangi outlining history of Sindhi films was also screened, while students of SU Department of Media and Communication studies presented a mime on one of the most popular tracks from a famous Sindhi film which enthralled the audience to the point of swaying and swooning.

Dr. Mehmood-ul-Hassan moderated the seminar proceedings.

The festival will continue for another three days featuring screening of popular Sindhi movies and discussion of various facets of Sindhi films.

A musical theater was also performed by Sindh Institute of Music and Performing Arts (SIMPA), Jamshoro. A documentary film was also presented by Ghulam Abbas Solangi on the journey of Sindhi Film Industry from film Ekta (1941) to Himath (1997). In documentary director also paid tribute to All Film Stars, Musicians, Poets, Singers, Script Writers and Directors of Sindhi Film Industry.