ISLAMABAD: There is perhaps no better way to explore the vast cultural landscape of China and Pakistan than through their traditional music and dance. Devoted to both countries’ musical and cultural heritage, the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Cultural Caravan Festival opened at the Pakistan National Council of Arts on Sunday.

Running throughout the day, the festival featured musical performances, a fashion show, a photography exhibition and documentary screenings. The chief guests at the event were Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing and Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Marriyum Aurangzeb.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Yao said the success of CPEC depended on the interaction and collaboration of people from both the countries. Cultural collaboration would strengthen ties between people for a lasting bilateral economic and political bond between China and Pakistan, he said.

Ms Aurangzeb said the successful implementation of CPEC would bring prosperity to the nation and lead to regional integrity.

The festival opened with regional performances that depicted Pakistan’s folk heritage, featuring music and dances performed to the beat of a dhol.

A grand art exhibition was also inaugurated, which showcased art produced by artists from the CPEC cultural caravan. In addition, a series of books and research report were also part of the caravan and aimed to document, preserve and promote the cultural and artistic expression of the diverse communities along the Silk Route and CPEC, and are under publication.

A documentary following the caravan’s journey that showcased the work of Chinese and Pakistani photographers and artists was also screened.

CPEC youth contest entries, documentaries and photo montages by filmmakers were also screened, each dedicated to one of the cities on the CPEC route and depicting its culture, history, tourist attractions and monuments.

Cultural stalls featuring traditional Chinese and Pakistani cuisine, embroidered clothing, ceramics, wall hangings and handicrafts were also established, while Chinese and Pakistani musicians performed traditional music.

During panel discussions, members of the television, theatre and film industries discussed the welfare of artists.

Veteran actor Mustafa Qureshi, speaking on challenges facing the film industry, said it was high time the local industry – often called Lollywood - was renamed. Mr Qureshi also called for easing restrictions on the release of new films, particularly on the part of the censor board.

Actor, producer and director Usman Peerzada also discouraged irrelevant people from being part of the film censor board. Syed Noor, a producer and director, added that only people who understand the technicalities of cinema should be part of the censor board.

“The people should come from literature and film backgrounds who understand the business. Cinema owners should give equal screen time to Pakistani movies as compared to Indian and English movies,” Mr Noor said. He also demanded the revival of the National Film Development Corporation.

Actor Hameed Sheikh demanded financial and logistical support from the government for local films, while actor and director Rehan Sheikh called for a law to safeguard Pakistani films.

Published in Dawn, February 26th, 2018