Punjab's inaugural modern film city is scheduled to open on December 15 after final preparations were completed.

The announcement arrived on Sunday at the first Punjab Film Authority meeting, led by Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb. Attendees approved several measures to revive the local film sector, promote contemporary filmmaking, and restore Lahore's status as the nation's cinematic centre.

First Royalty Law for Artists

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz gave the go-ahead for drafting Pakistan's first royalty law for artists and ordered that the draft be tabled at the Authority's next gathering.

The session also cleared the establishment of a film and music school, a film trading house, a post-production unit and a studio complex with modern soundstages. In addition, Pakistan's largest convention centre will be constructed in Punjab.

The film city concept was initially unveiled by Maryam Nawaz in April as an integrated media production hub in Lahore.

Rebate Framework and Online Platform

Marriyum Aurangzeb instructed officials to bring a film rebate framework to the meeting slated for next week, noting the policy would financially assist filmmakers and raise production standards.

An online single-window portal will also be rolled out to help producers locate appropriate shooting sites.

Budget and Hiring

A suggested budget of Rs. 589 million for the Film City Authority has been forwarded to the finance committee for assessment.

The Authority gave the nod to employ 26 staff members out of 53 vacant positions in the initial phase, granting the board hiring and dismissal powers within the Film City Authority.

The meeting further examined progress on forming the Punjab Film Fund Committee and creating six specialised sub-committees.

Old Cinemas to Be Restored

Plans were approved to refurbish historic cinema halls, fit them with solar power systems and introduce online ticketing. Training programmes for young filmmakers, led by international experts, will also be launched.

This step aligns with the Punjab government's plan to start a one-dollar cinema project.

Marriyum Aurangzeb said Maryam Nawaz intends to transform Punjab into an international screen-tourism hub within five years, highlighting that the venture will display the province's rich culture and heritage worldwide.

Source: ARY News