Sheherzade in Chakwal

A Hollywood Film Company has been given permission and full assurances of cooperation by the Punjab government for the shooting of a film near Chakwal. The producer of Sheherzade: The Untold Story, Peter Ziebert, met with officials and discussed the movie in detail. The shooting of the film was to start in spring 2004, but was delayed because of security concerns. However, there were 15 people working on the insurance issue and other aspects of the film in Los Angles and were confident that shooting would start later this year.

Rafi Peer Theatre (RPT) is also involved in the project. Salman Peerzada, a founding member of the RPT, scripted the film and will direct. He has previously been involved in films such as Zargul and Blood of Hussain. RPT Director Faizan Peerzada is a producer on the ground in Pakistan. The film Sheherzade had gone past the pre-production stage in Los Angles, where a top of the line crew and cast of international renown had been assembled.

The film is set in the 13th century along the Silk Route, when the Islamic empire was at its peak and cities like Baghdad and Samarkand were some of the leading centers of learning in the world. The film would present a "positive portrayal of era through its magical and mythical history" and showcase the grandeur of those times.

Peter Ziebert also pointed out the economic benefits of shooting a major Hollywood motion picture in Pakistan. He said there would be millions of dollars invested in Pakistan. A cast and crew of approximately 150 Hollywood professionals would live in Pakistan for four months. Technical and other professionals would be hired to support the cast and crew.

Constructing the movie set would create jobs for Pakistani tradesmen and costume manufacturing would boost the textile industry. The company would need 100 acres with a clear 360-degree skyline, help in the construction facilities that would house sets, workshops, costumes, wardrobe, departments, and stables for 400 horses, special electricity supplies, accommodations, liaisons for security and administration.

The production company plans to build a massive 100-acre set in northern Punjab near Chakwal recreating the old cities of Baghdad, Samarkand, and Bokhara. Rather than burning down the set at the end of the film, the company indents to leave it on permanent display and for other television and film productions, because the land would be leased from the government.

There would also be a significant public relations and tourism benefit for Pakistan, as global audiences would be treated to its majestic and breathtaking landscape. Ziebert hoped the film would help improve ties between America and Pakistan. "We are committed to making Sheherzade an important part of US public diplomacy to Pakistan," he said. [Source: Daily Times