Beijing, 21 December 2021 (TDI): The first jointly made animated movie by Chinese and Pakistani artists, Allahyar and the Legend of Markhor, premiered in Beijing. It will be released in the cinemas of mainland China on December 25.
Allahyar and the Legend of Markhor is the first China-Pakistan co-production. The film’s launch is one of a number of events to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.
Premier of ‘AllahYar and Legends of Markhor’ held in Beijing. It is the first China-Pakistan joint production of an animated movie. It gives a strong message about nature preservation, wild life protection, tolerance and respect for diversity.@ForeignOfficePk @zlj517 @AmbNong pic.twitter.com/8P2EWDYAcT
— Moin ul Haque (@PakAmbChina) December 20, 2021
Allahyar and the Legend of Markhor
Allahyar and the Legend of Markhor is directed and written by Uzair Zaheer Khan who is a Pakistani filmmaker. The film is created with funding from China’s National Film Board and Chinese animators as well as the Chinese scriptwriter, Xin Xiaohan worked on it.
The film features Markhor, which is the national animal of Pakistan just like the Giant Panda is the national animal of China. Markor is also known as a screw-horned goat or snake eater.
The theme of the movie is based on an ancient legend that takes place along the border of China and Pakistan. According to the legend, whoever saves a markhor can attain the ability to communicate with animals. Moreover, he or she will become a guardian of the forest.
Allahyar is the protagonist of the story who is a young and curious boy. The animated production is the depiction of his experiences in challenging circumstances, in the northern mountains of Pakistan.
In a series of events, Allahyar attempts to protect a markhor from hunters. He also befriends other animals like a snow leopard, after he is awarded the ability to communicate with animals.
Ambassador of Pakistan gave a speech at the premiere
The Ambassador of Pakistan to China, Moin ul Haque also gave a speech at the premiere of the movie. He expressed that the movie is significant in view of China-Pakistan’s 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
Ambassador Moin noted that the film is not only the representation of Pakistani culture but it also teaches children how to protect wild animals as well as nature.
He further stated that such exchanges and connections between the two friendly countries are substantial. He voiced hope about the introduction of more Pakistani movies on screens in China, that introduce Pakistani culture to Chinese people.
Consequently, the connection between the peoples of China and Pakistan will be strengthened, including future generations.