LAHORE: Preparations for the launch of Punjab’s first modern film city have been completed, with its inauguration scheduled for December 15, ARY News reported.
Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb on Sunday presided over the first meeting of the Punjab Film Authority.
The huddle approved several vital decisions aimed at reviving the local film industry, promoting modern filmmaking, and restoring Lahore as the country’s cinematic hub.
Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz approved the drafting of Pakistan’s first royalty law for artists and directed that the proposed legislation be presented at the next Film Authority meeting.
The meeting also gave the green light to establish a film and music school, a film trading house, a post-production facility, a studio complex with modern soundstages, and Pakistan’s largest convention center in Punjab.
During the meeting, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb directed that a film rebate framework be presented at next week’s meeting.
She noted that the rebate policy would provide financial assistance to filmmakers and help raise production quality.
To assist filmmakers in selecting optimal shooting locations, a single-window online platform will also be launched.
Meanwhile, a proposed budget of Rs 589 million for the Film City Authority was referred to the finance committee for review.
The authority also approved hiring 26 individuals against 53 vacant positions in the first phase. Hiring and firing powers within the Film City Authority will rest with the board.
Progress on forming the Punjab Film Fund Committee and establishing six specialized sub-committees was also reviewed.
Additionally, the meeting approved plans to restore old cinema halls, equip them with solar power systems, introduce online ticketing, and launch capacity-building training programs for young filmmakers conducted by international experts.
Marriyum Aurangzeb stated that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz aims to turn Punjab into an international hub for screen tourism within five years, adding that the initiative would showcase the province’s rich culture and heritage on the global stage.