Attaullah Tarar, the Federal Minister of Information and Broadcasting, announced earlier this week that a Hollywood production crew was coming to Pakistan to produce a global movie about the country's dynamic culture.
The group, which included Mashal Saqib, Luisa Iskin, Andrew James Fiero, Sadia Ashraf, Badr Ikram, and James MC Milan, got together to talk about the film's progress and Pakistani heritage.
The Hollywood production team's film, according to the Information Minister, will mark a significant turning point for Pakistan's cinema sector. He expressed gratitude to the Hollywood group for choosing to make a movie about Pakistani culture. “It is a great honor for our culture and people,” he said, adding that Pakistan is a country abundant in its rich heritage.
“Our history, literature, music, and art are unique and appreciated worldwide,” Tarar maintained.
He clarified the steps the government had made to revive the film sector and said that it was the only one in Pakistan to receive tax amnesty.
According to Tarrar “The government under the leadership of Shehbaz Sharif restored the film policy in its previous term.”
He further mentioned that the film industry was granted industry status to encourage the nation's youth to pursue careers in the film industry and participate in its endeavours to further the film industry.
Filmmakers were granted a five-year tax break in the 2022–2023 budget. Similarly, the opening of new theatres, production companies, and film museums has been exempt from income tax for five years, while the export of drama and film has been exempt from taxation for 10 years.
On collaborative film and drama projects with local producers, concessions are also extended to international filmmakers. Because of this, the condition that 70% of the movie be filmed in Pakistan was implemented to support commercial endeavors, like the arts and tourism.
The people working on the movie are optimistic that it will open up new opportunities to the country's diversity and beauty. With the premiere of the movie, Pakistan's image as a hub for radicalism would hopefully be dispelled in the eyes of the worldwide community.
The Hollywood production crew appears to have been impressed with their visit despite the political upheaval and security concerns. They expressed their gratitude to the minister for his assistance and gracious hospitality, stating that Pakistan's rich cultural legacy and its people had inspired them. “Pakistan has huge filmmaking potential, and we are committed to helping the local industry grow,” they remarked.
Tarar further promised to give the government's all assistance and cooperation to the Hollywood production team.