Jawzjan cinema artists seek government support

SHEBERGHAN (Pajhwok): A number of cinema artists in northern Jawzjan province have asked the acting government to support the art of cinema and keep it alive by any possible means.

They said no institution provided them with financial or technical support and worked with few available technical personnel.

Abdul Matin Sadid, head of the Jawzja Cinema House, told Pajhwok Afghan News: “With acute resources recently we made some educational short movies

He criticized the previous government and added the art of cinema was never paid attention and provided support.

“During the republic regime we were marginalized and currently we are not supported by any organization, now a number of cinema artists with their acute technical resources make short educational movies to keep the art floating in people’s thoughts,” he said.

To strengthen cinema financially, recently they decided to put on display some short movies but the tickets for watching these movies remained unsold and body visited the cinema hall.

Mohammad Amin Naakaam, a film maker in the province, said: “I have been running the art of cinema for the last ten years but have not been so far encouraged or supported by any of the institutions.”

According to him, most of the young film makers due to economic problems have given up the art of cinema and chosen a different employment or have gone to the neighboring countries.

“As all of us are responsible to find out a living for ourselves and our families, however, film work is not successful here,” he added.

He asked the acting government and other aid giving organizations to support cultural works, particularly the art of film making, otherwise it would face stagnation

Cultural and Information Department Director Maulvi Saifuddin Motasem said efforts were made to support the cultural programs, especially cinema affairs on priority basis.

“I have met some private institutions and talked to them regarding support to the cinema art. Efforts were underway to keep cinematography alive through any possible means and to witness youth thriving in this sector,” he added.

He said his department had taken some steps to promote the cinema art through some cultural programs and made attempts to extend them.

Ja/nh