Special screening highlights Pakistani cinema as a tool of cultural diplomacy during 60th anniversary celebrations

SINGAPORE: The High Commission of Pakistan hosted a special screening of acclaimed Pakistani film The Legend of Maula Jatt for an invited audience as part of celebrations marking 60 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Singapore.

The event was attended by diplomats, government officials, members of the business community, media representatives and members of the Pakistani diaspora.

Directed by Bilal Lashari and starring Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan and Hamza Ali, The Legend of Maula Jatt is regarded as a landmark production of contemporary Pakistani cinema and has received international acclaim.

Set against the cultural backdrop of Punjab, the film explores themes of honour, courage, loyalty, justice and rivalry. It also highlights Pakistan’s cultural heritage, storytelling traditions, music, costumes and cinematic talent.

Cinema highlighted as cultural diplomacy tool

Welcoming guests, High Commissioner Rabia Shafiq highlighted cinema’s role as a powerful tool of cultural diplomacy and people-to-people understanding.

She said films offered an engaging way for countries to introduce their heritage, traditions and contemporary identity to international audiences.

The High Commissioner said The Legend of Maula Jatt presents a distinctly Pakistani story through a modern cinematic approach and has attracted audiences beyond Pakistan.

She added that the Pakistan High Commission was making efforts to familiarise Singaporeans with Pakistan’s culture, society and storytelling traditions, noting that cinema was an effective medium for achieving this objective.

The mission had also hosted a special screening of the Pakistani film Nayab in Singapore last year.

Audience praises Pakistani film

The audience responded warmly to The Legend of Maula Jatt, particularly appreciating its performances, visual presentation and music.

Guests also welcomed the opportunity to experience a major work of Pakistani cinema and praised its production quality and compelling storytelling.

The screening underscored the potential of Pakistani cinema to strengthen cultural ties and promote greater people-to-people understanding between Pakistan and Singapore as the two countries mark six decades of diplomatic relations.