LAHORE: The Punjab Institute of Language, Art and Culture (Pilac) will screen old Punjabi movies, hold a poetry sitting in memory of legendary Punjabi poet Ustad Daman and organise a cultural festival in south Punjab.

According to officials, the institute, in a bid to promote romantic Punjabi cinema, will screen classical movies and the latest Pakistani films. It will also screen short films and documentaries.

For the purpose, Pilac will establish its own ‘cinema house’ at its premises where primarily Punjabi movies will be screened, especially those reflecting the rich culture and traditions of Punjab, they say.

The details of the cinema project are likely to be revealed after Eidul Fitr and work on it will start after a few meetings. As per officials, it will likely to be a ticketed activity. Pilac cinema will offer old Punjabi movies in crisp prints, for which search is on, they add.

The institute, they say, is contacting luminaries of the film industry to seek their suggestions for reintroducing exclusive Punjabi cinema.

Pilac Director Dr Asim Chauhdry told Dawn efforts were being made for screening Punjabi cinema classics produced in the past by Pakistani filmmakers.

He said Pilac would also organise a cultural festival in south Punjab, featuring handicrafts, traditional food, dresses, jewellery, music and performing arts to promote the rich traditions and culture of the region. The festival will also feature book stalls, poetry sittings, folk music and dance.

He said a poetry sitting featuring leading poets will be held to pay tribute to the legendary Punjabi poet Ustad Daman. During the sitting, the life and work of the poet will also be discussed, he added.

These initiative are being taken on the direction of Punjab Information and Culture Secretary Ali Nawaz Malik, he said.

Published in Dawn, March 27th, 2023