Federal Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Ambreen Jan, underscored the importance of the China-Pakistan Media Corridor in strengthening the bond between the two nations and fostering a deeper connection between their people. She made these remarks during the premiere ceremony of Batie Girl, the first-ever co-produced film by Pakistan and China, held in Beijing.
While highlighting recent progress, Ambreen Jan mentioned that during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to China, two significant Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) were signed between Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and the Chinese government. These agreements, focusing on co-producing films and dramas, aim to deepen cultural understanding and people-to-people ties.
She noted that collaboration between Pakistan and China’s film industries is not a new phenomenon, with 12 Pakistani movies having been showcased in China from 1957 to 1991. Ambreen expressed confidence that the production of Batie Girl, led by Syed Jamal Shah and his Chinese counterpart, would pave the way for enhanced cooperation in the film sector.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, described the film as a testament to artistic collaboration and a celebration of Pakistan-China friendship. He emphasized the role of art and storytelling in inspiring and connecting people, expressing optimism about future film co-productions.
Mao Yu, Head of the China Film Administration, welcomed the Pakistani delegation and praised the successful premiere of Batie Girl. He highlighted the agreement on film co-production signed during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit, in the presence of Chinese Premier Li Qiang. Mao expressed confidence that this collaboration would lead to the creation of more exceptional joint films, further enhancing bilateral ties.
The re-release of Batie Girl, retitled The Girl from Ironclad-Brotherly Pakistan, is scheduled for December 16 in over 7,000 cinemas across China. The film, which originally premiered in China in November 2021 and in Pakistan in August 2023, narrates a heartfelt story of friendship between a Chinese woman and a Pakistani teenage girl, united by their love for football.
Starring Chinese actress Wang Jiajia and Pakistani actress Shaiza Channa, the film portrays themes of resilience, mutual support, and cultural understanding. It follows the journey of Lu You, a Chinese athlete whose football career is halted by injury. Seeking solace, she visits a remote Pakistani village where she meets Nasha, a spirited teenager passionate about football. Their cultural differences give way to a profound bond as they embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and resilience.
Batie Girl has been widely recognized in both Pakistan and China and has received acclaim at international film festivals, including the Silk Road and Pingyao International Film Festivals. Audiences have praised the film’s universal themes of friendship and perseverance.
The film’s producers, Syed Jamal Shah and Xie Peng, were lauded for their outstanding work. The movie’s widespread release in China marks a significant milestone in cultural collaboration between the two countries.
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