by Meng Fanrong

KARACHI, June 4 (China Economic Net) - On May 29, a Chinese Film Festival was inaugurated at the Arts Council of Pakistan in Karachi. The festival was jointly organized to promote cultural exchanges, which are widely regarded as a vital bridge for deepening friendship between the two countries.

Chinese Consul General in Karachi Yang Yundong, who attended the opening ceremony, addressed the audience and expressed his hope that Pakistani viewers would gain a more comprehensive understanding of China through the screened films and appreciate the profound richness of Chinese culture reflected in the cinematic works.

The film festival in Karachi came just weeks after a landmark moment for Pakistani cinema in China. Last month, the acclaimed Pakistani film “The Legend of Maula Jatt” — released in China as “Blade of Fury” — premiered in Chinese cinemas, marking the first time a Pakistani film had entered the Chinese market under a revenue-sharing distribution model. The release has offered a window into Pakistan’s cinematic traditions and storytelling.

Speaking at the Beijing premiere ceremony on May 19, Pakistani Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi hailed the release as a “landmark moment” for Pakistan-China cultural ties and cinematic collaboration.

The growing cinematic bond between China and Pakistan goes beyond screenings and festivals. In 2024, the first Chinese-Pakistani co-production, “Ba Tie Girl,” was released in China. The signing of a film co-production agreement between the two countries has paved the way for more joint projects, technical exchanges, and talent development in the years to come.