Lok Virsa launches book on film history

Lahore: National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa) Thursday launched a book on Pakistani cinematic history titled “Journey through lens” at Alhamra Arts Council.

Written by Aijaz Gull and Jamal Sohail, the book primarily focuses on creation and development of film industry in Pakistan which is an essential part of national cultural heritage. It also tracks the history of cinema in the subcontinent from 1906 when the first film shots were screened in a hotel in Mumbai.

Lok Virsa Executive Director Dr Fouzia Saeed welcomed the guests. Celebrities from different walks of life including Saleema Hashmi, Syed Noor, Bahar Begum, Naghma Begum, and film trade expert Nadeem Mandviwala attended the ceremony and expressed their views. Dr Fozia Saeed said films were not only fundamental source of entertainment but also an integral part of society’s folk traditions as it reflected all the aspects of art and culture. Aijaz Gull and Jamal Sohail said the book could be used as a reference and text book, by provided essential knowledge on films. Not so much had been written on film industry in Pakistan. This book was a modest attempt to take the readers on a joyful ride with laughter, actions and romance and a tribute to those who were no longer with us but their labour, love and passion in the form of films that they left behind. Lollywood’s showman Syed Noor congratulated Lok Virsa on preserving the memories of Pakistani film industry in a book form. Film trade expert Nadeem Mandviwala emphasised that film makers should not neglect the power of Punjabi cinema and explore original enriched cultural stories as earlier film makers used to do. Alhamra Arts Council Executive Director Cap (r) Atta Muhammad, Bahar Begum, Saleema Hashmi and Bahar Begum congratulated Lok Virsa and the authors.