Bans imposed on each other by the film industries in India and Pakistan threaten to endanger a burgeoning cross-border business that's worth more than billions even by conservative estimates. Yet the cross-border exchange of media and entertainment has been strictly banned since the past few years. But despite strict ban in India, the Pakistani viewership still depends on piracy to sustain its interest in Hindi films. Keeping that in mind, actor Shaan Shahid shared his two cents on Indian films being released in Pakistan. Requesting PM Imran Khan, Shaan Shahid tweets that, “PM Imran Khan, please protect the cultural borders of Pakistan. No Indian origin film should be released in Pakistan. As India has banned all the Pakistani content including singers, artists, films and music. Respect and equality must be a pivotal part in any trade.”

Winning Accolades

Pakistani filmmaker Samar Minallah Khan’s Out Swing won the Best Short Film award

Pakistani filmmaker Samar Minallah Khan won the Best Short Film award for her film Out Swing at the 7th Sport Film Festival Rotterdam in the Netherlands. Her win was announced on Twitter where the film creator was lauded for her work. Soon after the announcement, the filmmaker received many well wishes on her big win. The documentary trails a devoted coach who teaches cricket to young girls who find comfort and strength in learning the sport. The girls hail from traditional families where the youngest, at nine years old, wants to overcome her fears, anxiety and personal battles with the help of school and cricket. The documentary is set in the outskirts of Islamabad with visuals of the schoolgirls transitioning from house chores to school and doing what they find comforting.