After being party to a resolution passed against the screening of Indian films in Pakistan at the Alhamra Arts Centre, Lahore, at an event organised by like-minded filmmakers, Syed Noor went ahead and directed an Indian film, "I was approached repeatedly by Indian rap artiste Daler Mehdi to direct a Punjabi Indian flick, Meri Shadi Karao. It's a comedy which has Mehdi's son making his big screen debut as an actor. It's a co-production between Pakistan and India as some 10 technicians from Pakistan are involved in the project.
"Earlier, I did take a stand against the screening of Indian films in Pakistan because the practice has damaged our film industry to a great extent. But keeping in view the woes of cinema owners who do not find much stock in the pipeline from our film industry, I now say that till the time our industry manages to get back on its feet, we should allow the screening of Indian films in Pakistan."
Doesn't he think that's a complete U-turn? "No, I don't. I have softened my stance so that more cinemas don't shut down in the absence of films that can be screened. However, I would like to mention here that we have to formulate a policy when it comes to the screening of Indian films in Pakistan. The government should reserve a quota for Indian films and a tax should be imposed on their import. The funds thus generated can be spent on the development of our film industry.
"We can also collaborate with our Iranian and Chinese counterparts to support our industry by introducing exchange visits between the two countries and co-productions."
Does he think that co-productions with India should also come under the tax net?
"No, I think co-productions should be given leverage. Only Indian films which are being screened in our cinemas should be taxed."
no budget at all
