NEW YORK: Sabiha Khanum, the ace actress of the 50s and 60s, received rapturous applause when she made a rare appearance at the opening ceremony of the first Pakistan Film Festival held at the United Nations on Friday night.

United Nations Deputy Secretary General Jan Eliasson, who was the chief guest, congratulated the Pakistan mission to the world body for organising the two-day festival at the Asia Society.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations Maleeha Lodhi, speaking at the star-studded programme, said films from Pakistan would convey energy and dynamism that defines today’s Pakistan.

Actors Mahira Khan, Mawra Hocane, Nabeel Qureshi, Saba Qamar, Wajahat Rauf, Yasir Hussain, Sheheryar Munawar, Asim Raza, Tooba Siddiqui, Adeel Hussain, Sanam Saeed, Jerjees Seja (JJ), and Producer Afia Serena Nathaniel were present.

Mehreen Jabbar whose film Dobara Phir Se is making waves was also in attendance.

The films shown at the premiere included Dobara Phir Se, Lahore Se Agay, Actor in law, Pakistan’s Oscar nomination Mahe Meer, Oscar winner Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy’s animated film, 3 Bahadur, Dukhtar, Dance Kahani and Ho Mann Jahan.

Published in Dawn, December 4th, 2016