Editor's note: Haider Rifaat is a writer for the South China Morning Post, Arabian Moda magazine, Good Times magazine and OK! Pakistan. The article reflects the author's opinions, and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

Pakistan's entertainment industry has come a long way but this time around, it has achieved a landmark milestone. The 2018 Pakistani drama film Parwaaz Hai Junoon is slated for release across Chinese cinemas on November 13, 2020, according to Xinhua. This is a testament to a great friendship that Pakistan and China have had for a very long time.

The Parwaaz Hai Junoon Instagram page made things official with a post that read, "In an historic development for Pakistani films, Parwaaz Hai Junoon starring Hamza Ali Abbasi, Hania Amir and Ahad Raza Mir in lead roles is all set to release in China on November 13. Produced under the banner of Momina & Duraid Films, PHJ has become the first Pakistani film in over three decades to be commercially released across Chinese mainland." An agreement was finalized in April 2019 and it will finally materialize next month.

The ensemble cast of the film includes actors Hamza Ali Abbasi, Hania Aamir, Ahad Raza Mir, Kubra Khan and Shaz Khan, among others. A production of HUM Films – one of the leading distribution companies in Pakistan – Parwaaz Hai Junoon is directed by Haseeb Hasan and centers on the lives of ambitious, dedicated soldiers of the Pakistani army navigating through life while prioritizing their line of work.

What makes this collaboration even more interesting is that the JF-17 – a combat aircraft created by China and Pakistan together – is briefly shown in the movie. This pays homage to the unshakable bond that both countries have shared for decades. Having such international collaborations only promotes unity, peace and friendship.

Chinese will get to experience the true essence of Pakistani cinema, and the ins and outs of it. Constructive criticism and feedback from the Chinese audience will help Pakistan's entertainment industry extract important lessons in terms of technological innovation, film aesthetics and other directorial aspects.

China is one of the world's leading economies and its cinema is one of a kind. This kind of exposure for a Pakistani film like Parwaaz Hai Junoon will open doors for future collaborations. It is a step in the right direction for Pakistan's film industry. It is well-founded that feature films from Pakistan don't get the showbiz industry the much-needed exposure they require. A collaboration as grand as this will hopefully change things for the better.

It is also important for Pakistani cinemas to contractually screen Chinese films dubbed in Urdu and English in an effort to experience a different feel of foreign cinema. Doing so will further strengthen mutual understanding between Pakistan and China.

It is also good for the entertainment industries of the two nations to benefit from each other and achieve a common goal that promotes the culture of cinema and quality storytelling. Together, both film industries can set an example for other countries to follow in creating something constructive.

Pakistan can also amass greater box office numbers through these collaborations, which will help the industry thrive like never before. Additionally, having creative people on board will generate interesting ideas, allowing unique narratives to translate into films.

Pakistan's film industry is still in its nascent stages despite the far-fetched claim that it has been "revived" as of late. The country isn't releasing enough films per year and needs a solid push. In that vein, China can be a facilitator if more collaboration is put into effect.

The huge milestone that Pakistan's entertainment fraternity is celebrating right now should be the first of many ahead. A gigantic entertainment industry like China's can take Pakistan's developing film industry to new heights provided that this initiative is taken seriously.

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