ISLAMABAD (Khyber Mail): : The premiere of BA’TIE GIRL, the historic first Sino-Pak feature film celebrating the friendship between the people of Pakistan and China, took place at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA).
The momentous occasion witnessed the presence of over 800 distinguished guests, with Parliamentary Secretary for National Heritage and Culture, Sardar Muhammad Irfan Dogar, and Mr. Zhang Heqing, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy, gracing the event as the chief guests.
The vibrant event was organized by Hunerkada Film and Media, under the direction of Jamal Shah, and was also attended by Mr. Xing from the Chinese Embassy, the executive producer of the film and Chairman of China Situan Cheng Cheng Film Culture Ltd., Mr. Xu Ping, the producer, Mr. Xu Jianglong, CEO of China Power, and Mr. Wang Minsheng, CEO of China Three Gorges Corporation, along with the cast of the film.
In his brief remarks, the Parliamentary Secretary praised the artists from both Pakistan and China for their role as true ambassadors of peace, promoting the genuine image of friendship between the two countries and their rich cultures. He commended Hunerkada Film for their efforts in producing the first-ever co-production film.
Addressing the gathering, the Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy highlighted the significance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in fostering people-to-people contact between the two nations. He expressed the commitment of both governments to take bold measures for the success of this mega project, emphasizing the crucial support of the people in ensuring the success of CPEC and fostering cultural ties.
Jamal Shah, in his speech, celebrated the milestone of the first Pak-China co-production film, BA’TIE GIRL, coinciding with the first decade of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He described the film as a portrayal of the deep friendship between the people of Pakistan and China.
Produced jointly by China Film Administration and Hunerkada Films of Pakistan, the film features notable actors such as Wang Jia Jia, Shaiza Chana, Suraj Arman Khan, Yue Ye, and Asif Shah.
BA’TIE GIRL, which translates to “Dost Larki” in Urdu, narrates the story of a young, passionate girl from a small village in Pakistan, with dreams and talent for football. The film revolves around the empowerment of this young girl by a woman from another nation, representing the trust and friendship that Pakistan has placed in China for decades.
The film cleverly uses football as a catalyst for social change, as sports have always had the power to unite entire communities, cities, provinces, and nations.
BA TIEGIRL unfolds as two tribes with ancestral rivalry come together, women’s rights are recognized, and the fate of society rests on the shoulders of a group of young girls, all set in a small village in Pakistan. The film beautifully portrays the harmonious coexistence of contrasting cultures, bringing flavors of happiness, excitement, and progress to the community.
After its formal release at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) in Islamabad on August, the film will be screened at Islamabad Club’s cinema on August 4 and Bahria Arena on August 7. The Executive Director expressed overwhelming gratitude for the response from Pakistani audiences and pledged to continue collaborating with Jamal Shah, including on their next film titled “CUT,” which delves into the realm of Pakistani Cinema.