China-Pakistan Media Corridor Vital for Strengthening Ties and Cultural Exchange: Ambreen Jan

Federal Secretary of Information, Ambreen Jan, highlighted the pivotal role of the China-Pakistan Media Corridor in fostering deeper connections and cultural understanding between the two nations. Speaking at the premier of the first-ever Pakistan-China co-produced film, Batie Girl, in Beijing, she emphasized its importance in enhancing bilateral relations and bridging the cultural divide between Pakistani and Chinese communities.

Addressing a packed audience, she noted the significance of two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) signed during Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s recent visit to China. These agreements, focused on co-productions of films and dramas, aim to strengthen people-to-people ties and promote cultural exchange.

“Film collaboration between Pakistan and China is not new,” she remarked, recalling that 12 Pakistani movies were screened in China between 1957 and 1991. She expressed confidence that this renewed partnership in filmmaking, exemplified by Batie Girl, would lay the foundation for more robust collaboration in the future.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, called the film an artistic symbol of Pakistan-China friendship, highlighting how storytelling fosters connections and shared values. He affirmed the commitment of both nations to continue building bridges through cinematic co-productions.

Mao Yu, Head of China Film Administration, welcomed the Pakistani delegation and celebrated the success of Batie Girl. He referenced the recent agreement signed between the China Film Administration and Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, underscoring the potential for future collaborations to produce outstanding films that reflect the strong camaraderie between the two nations.

Batie Girl, also titled The Girl from Ironclad-Brotherly Pakistan, tells a heartwarming story of friendship between a Chinese athlete, Lu You, and a Pakistani teenager, Nasha, brought together by their shared love for football. The film explores themes of resilience, cultural understanding, and the power of sportsmanship, with Chinese actress Wang Jiajia and Pakistani actress Shaiza Channa in lead roles.

Having premiered in China in November 2021 and in Pakistan in August 2023, the film has earned acclaim at international festivals, including the Silk Road International Film Festival. Its re-release is scheduled for December 16, 2024, in over 7,000 cinemas across China.

The audience gave a rousing applause to the film’s producers, Syed Jamal Shah and Xie Peng, recognizing their remarkable achievement in bringing this collaborative project to life.