A recent screening in Beijing of the film Batie Girl served as a testament to the deep-rooted bond between Pakistan and China. Pakistani Ambassador to China, Moin ul Haque, emphasized the depth of their bond, describing it as “higher than mountains, deeper than the ocean, sweeter than honey and stronger than steel.” His sentiments reflected the spirit of collaboration and mutual respect that the film encapsulates.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of the Pakistan-China Cultural Exchange Envoy award by Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Heritage and Culture, Syed Jamal Shah, to Xie Peng, the film’s producer. The film, marking the first major co-production between the two nations, captures the essence of camaraderie between the peoples of China and Pakistan.
Batie Girl unfolds the compelling narrative of a bond formed between a Chinese female engineer associated with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and a Pakistani teenage girl. United by their love for soccer, the two navigate the trials and tribulations presented by the conservative views of a remote Pakistani village. Their journey stands as a symbol of empowerment, resilience, and self-discovery. It is a tale of confronting societal norms and prejudices and emerging victorious.
The film beautifully demonstrates the transformative power of cross-cultural friendships, mutual growth, and mentorship. It sheds light on the critical role of sports in fostering unity and personal development, women’s rights, and the positive ripple effect of collective efforts on the community. Additionally, it celebrates the harmonious coexistence of diverse cultures, thereby amplifying joy and progress within societies.
Xie shared insights into the enthusiastic reception Batie Girl received upon its official release in Pakistan. The heartwarming response reaffirmed his belief in the narrative’s potential to strengthen China-Pakistan ties. Drawing inspiration from Pakistan’s compassionate assistance following the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in Xie’s native Sichuan Province, he voiced his commitment to furthering such projects that emphasize the emotional connection between the peoples of the two nations.
The film’s story isn’t solely centered around international diplomacy but delves deeper into the genuine bonds formed at an individual level. Xie remarked on the film’s objective of showcasing the genuine affection and trust shared between ordinary Chinese and Pakistani individuals. He believes the narrative mirrors the broader ethos of forging a united global community.
Federal Minister Shah, recognizing the strategic importance of the CPEC’s trade and commerce ventures, emphasized that initiatives fostering art and culture hold equal, if not greater, significance. He passionately argued for the potential of arts and culture as unparalleled tools for communication, bridging gaps, and fostering understanding. This belief is reflected in the intensified cultural and educational exchanges since CPEC’s initiation in 2013, which facilitated a surge in people-to-people contact between the two nations.
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