RIYADH — Pakistan’s newly released film in the country, ‘Parwaaz Hai Junoon’ had the honor of being the first Pakistani film to be released commercially in a cinema house in Saudi Arabia.

A high level premier show was held to mark the entry of Pakistani movies in the Saudi entertainment industry.

Apart from high-ranking Saudi authorities, Ambassadors from both Saudi Arabia and Pakistan along with a cast of movie and selected gathering of Pakistani community members were present during the inaugural event.

The opening ceremony to mark the unveiling of the first Pak movie in the Kingdom was carried out at a local Cinema hall here. The film’s leading actors, Hamza Ali Abbasi, Hania Amer and Ahmed Mir were also present at the premier of their film and Pakistani films’ entry in the Saudi entertainment world. Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf Al Maliki, Pakistan Ambassador Khan Hasham bin Siddique, Saudi Deputy Minister Nasir Al Hujailan, and Adviser to the Saudi Ministry of Information Faheem Al Hamid were also present.

Speaking at the occasion, the film’s lead actor, Hamza Ali Abbas said, “Saudi Arabia was always close to his heart and that he was overjoyed that his film was being released for display in this country, which was a great moment for them and a huge encouragement to the film fraternity of Pakistan who are confident of achieving great results for the film industry as a result of such efforts.”

On her part, the heroine of the film Hania Amer said, “I’m very happy to come to Saudi Arabia and become part of the historic occasion.” Hania said that she was overjoyed by all the praise and excitement shown towards her work and the way Pakistani culture was fostered through this premier show, which according to Hania, will go a long way in further bettering the bilateral ties.

Speaking on the occasion, Saudi Ambassador in Pakistan Nawaf Al Maliki said that Pakistani and Saudi people complement one another and now that Pakistani films have started to be released in Saudi Arabia, this would surely strengthen ties further.

On his part, Pakistan Ambassador Khan Hasham said, “The story of ‘Parwaaz Hai Junoon’ is potentially full of vigor and life, rather, it also revives the love for the motherland.”

He recalled that Pakistani film “Parchi” was the first one but it was a limited release in the Pak Embassy in Riyadh, while this film has the credit of being the first one to be shown commercially in a cinema house in Kingdom.

The Ambassador appreciated the keen interest of the Saudi Minister of Media Dr. Awwad Al-Awwad and Federal Minister for Information Fawad Hussain Chaudhry, which made this event a success. He also thanked Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Al Maliki for his support. — SG