LAHORE: Film Producers Association Chairman Shehzad Rafique has said that some 2,500 or so applications have been submitted by film producers and directors for the film fund of Rs2 billion to produce films and to give a new lease of life to the film industry. The deadline for submission was May 10.

Speaking to Dawn on Sunday, Mr Rafique said the fund was approved following a request by the Pakistan Film Producers Association. He said he was grateful to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Information and Culture Minister Azma Bukhari and Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb for their roles in fund allocations. He said he also acknowledged the continued support of Culture Secretary Tahir Hamdani.

Mr Rafique said that the fund would usher in a revolution in Pakistani cinema, as it is intended to support the overall development of the film industry. Plans include the establishment of a film city and the provision of technical facilities.

He said that all members of the Pakistan Film Producers Association are eligible to apply for the fund, regardless of their province of residence, as the association represents the entire country.

However, he said that projects should reflect Punjab’s rich culture and traditions.

Regarding the disbursement of funds, Mr Rafique said that each applicant must submit a detailed budget, which will be reviewed by a committee to ensure transparency and appropriate use of public money.

He praised the Punjab government for its generous initiative to rejuvenate Pakistani cinema.

About collaboration within the industry, Mr Rafique said that filmmaking is a team effort and upcoming projects would feature a combination of veteran and emerging talent. Young filmmakers will be encouraged to contribute to the new wave of productions.

He said a key eligibility requirement for the fund is that applicants must have produced at least one film within the last 20 years.

He said the film industry had immense talent and it was really great of the Punjab government that it had provided wonderful opportunity to filmmakers for producing quality movies.

Published in Dawn, May 12th, 2025