China-Switzerland co-produced short film applauded

Islamabad: Award-wining short film Hungry Seagull – co-produced by China and Switzerland – received a big applause at the European Film Festival (EUFF) in various Pakistani cities, Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) official Masroor Shah has said.

He mentioned that twenty-one award-winning films from across the Europe on a range of issues such as gender equality that highlight diversity of cultures were screened at the EUFF which concluded on December 12.

Speaking to journalists here, Shah remarked that the festival showcased a range of European films and culture to a broad Pakistani audience and acted as a means to build cultural dialogue, mutual understanding, respect and understanding of cross-cultural issues.

He noted that the film festival was held annually across the world to celebrate the diversity and creativity of European cinema, heritage, and culture. “This is the first time it was organized in Pakistan,” he observed.

Shah elaborated that three films – all co-productions – were screened on the opening night. These include one short film Hungry Seagull (Switzerland/China) and two feature films My Brother Chases Dinosaurs (Italy/Spain) and Our Struggle (Belgium/France).

Shah underscored the China-Switzerland produced short film attracted appreciation from the audience. He added that the festival also included trainings for young Pakistani students to learn some of the more technical aspects of film making from experienced filmmakers.