Actor In Law, Dobara Phir Se screened on Day 1 of Pakistan Film Festival New York.

The Pakistan Film Festival New York kicked off with a grand red carpet reception on Friday.

Followed it up with the screening of some Pakistan's most-loved movies, including Mehreen Jabbar's Dobara Phir Seand Nabeel Qureshi's Actor In Law. It looked like Actor In Law was well-received. Director Nabeel Qureshi was in high spirits after the screening and got silly on stage with his friend, Mawra Hocane.

We often hear about various film festivals being held all around the world. But do you know why film festivals are important? Well, it is because such events present a different way to circulate a film, ensuring that it is seen by both the public and industry professionals alike. And of course it is a definitive way to make money.

With so many Pakistani films being released, it is quite exciting to hear about Pakistan Film Festival. Yes, in the past we have seen hard-hitting storylines, related to women, in movies like ‘Bol’, ‘Dukhtar’, ‘Moor’ etc. And then we saw movies such as ‘Khamosh Pani’ and ‘Ramchand Pakistani’ that have been directed by our talented women. And more recently, ‘Bin Roye’ and ‘Actor in Law’ were released by Pakistani women producers.

Following the same vein, Pakistan’s female representative for United Nations, Dr. Maleeha Lodhi has come up with one of the most exciting and grand events, ‘The Pakistan Film Festival’, in New York from 2nd to 4th December this year. This will be the first ever Pakistan Film Festival that will take place at United Nations Headquarters.

The festival will kick-start on the 2nd of December with a red carpet reception. It will bring in a number of celebrities, film stars as well as directors and producers of the movies screened at the festival. Films which will be featured include all genres released up till now after the famous cinematic revival in Pakistan.

Frieha Altaf of Catalyst said, “The Pakistan Film Festival 2016 will bring in a selection of some of the finest and riveting films coming out of Pakistan film industry after decades of its struggle and revolution. There is a great buzz in New York already for the event.”

This will surely be a great opportunity for our movie makers to come in the limelight. Like other cinemas, Pakistan needs greater audience for better business, which is why these festivals can be a great start for promoting our films aboard.