The Ali Zafar-Maya Ali starrer Teefa in Trouble continues to break barriers for Pakistani cinema as the film was given the privilege of being selected to represent Pakistan at the prestigious Silk Road International Film Festival [SRIFF] currently underway in Fuzhou, China.
This honour marks a first for a commercial Pakistani blockbuster to be invited to screen at the festival and its producer, co-writer, actor and star Ali Zafar travelled to China to represent Pakistan.
Proud to represent Pakistan at the 5th Silk Road International Film Festival to discuss bilateral cooperation between #Pakistan and #China in cinema. And honoured to have #TeefaInTrouble selected for special screening at the festival amongst other international films. #SRIFF18 pic.twitter.com/8dP0E4N8Yw
— Ali Zafar (@AliZafarsays) October 8, 2018
Speaking at a series of round table meetings hosted by Chinese government and film officials, Ali addressed delegates from India, Turkey, Canada, South Africa, Egypt, Tunisia, Croatia, Serbia, Malaysia and Georgia.
“Pakistan has huge potential and these are very important times for our industry with a long way to go to really achieve our full potential. We welcome all dialogue and initiatives to enable us to achieve this potential,” Zafar said while speaking at the round table.
He further emphasised “I am equally here to underscore the need to create history, opening doors for screening Pakistani films in China and I propose a quota on minimum 3 films a year to be given to Pakistan.”
He continued, “Pakistani film students and film makers should be given an opportunity to work aside Chinese film students and film makers and vice versa. This will not only help diversify our understanding towards each other’s cultures but also accentuate the artistic expression alongside creating massive commercial prospects. Pakistan has enormous potential and is a beautiful country and the world must get to see it.”
“People to people exchange a must for mutual understandings between nations. We should have our producers, film makers and film students meet and exchange ideas. And of course, let’s fight for love. “ #Pakistan #china pic.twitter.com/4dVwA4oUwE
— Ali Zafar (@AliZafarsays) October 10, 2018
Ali was lauded by the festival and delegates for the incredible achievement of Teefa in Trouble which was privately screened to over 30 Chinese mainstream distributors at the festival. The film was commended for setting new benchmarks for regional cinema in terms of the production value, visual effects, cinematography, screenplay and the action sequences.
Zafar aims to working closely with the Chinese film industry to pioneer and execute a strategic cinematic framework for films across Pakistan and China.
Previously, Punjab Nai Jaungi starring Humayun Saeed and Mehwish Hayat and Chalay Thay Saath featuring Syra Shahroz were also screened in China.
