Pakistani film 'Dukhtar' attracts large audience at UN

The award-winning Pakistani film Dukhtar attracted a large and distinguished audience at its screening at the UN headquarters on Wednesday evening.

Pakistan's Ambassador to the UN, Dr Maleeha Lodhi organised this side event in the Trusteeship Council Chamber during the 61th annual session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).

 Lodhi in her opening remarks said that the Pakistani film industry's revival is being spearheaded by young filmmakers, including women, who are producing films on diverse topics, be it entertainment or social issues.

The ambassador introduced Khawar Mumtaz, chairperson of Pakistan's National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), who is also the mother of the lead actress in the film, Samiya Mumtaz.  The NCSW chairperson briefly talked about how her daughter developed interest in acting but that Samiya's main interest remained in organic farming. Mumtaz said that her daughter was a dedicated actress and only acted in movies with an inspirational message.

Film director Afia Nathaniel expanded on the making of her film. She said that the film was about a mother's love and sacrifice to save her daughter from child marriage. She also said that the film had a universal message and its exhibition at the UN will help build bridges and bring people together.

The event was attended by a large number of diplomats, UN Secretariat officials and the Pakistani diaspora. The Deputy Executive Director of UN women, Lakshmi Puri, was also present.

Last year, Oscar-winning Pakistani filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy's documentary "A Girl in the River" was screened to coincide with CSW.

Since assuming charge as Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Lodhi has undertaken several cultural projects and organised a series of events to promote Pakistan's soft image and highlight its modern and vibrant culture along with its ancient civilization roots.

The Pakistan Mission, under her leadership, had also organised the first-ever Pakistan Film Festival in New York last year. Dukhtar was one of the films shown during the two-day festival.

 Other events organised by her include "A Sufi Night" at the UN General Assembly hall to mark Pakistan Day last year featuring Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Exhibition of Contemporary Art from Pakistan at the UN. The exhibition showcased some of the best works of art to demonstrate how Pakistan is becoming a creative powerhouse.  She was also instrumental in bringing the Lahore Literary Festival to the Asia Society in New York.