Poland in Pakistan

– Among endless meetings, official receptions, and the daily humdrum of work, there is little time to appreciate art and beauty. This event was a terrific opportunity to slow down and enjoy the finer things in life – said Piotr Opaliński, Ambassador of Poland.

It was a joint initiative of four, Central-European countries, whose diplomats wanted to present a touch of their home cultures to an audience thousands of kilometers away. A short format was chosen to maintain a brisk pace and engage the audience with various topics and ideas within the span of a standard feature production.

The event began with a short speech by its chief guest, Mayor of Islamabad, Sheikh Ansar Aziz, who stressed the importance of films as means of education, information, and understanding of other peoples and appreciation of their cultures in all their appeal and refinement. This was followed by screening of the movies, each preceded by a short introduction made by the head of the mission responsible for its appearance.

The Polish production entitled "Atlas" introduced a clear allusion to classical mythology from the very beginning. A man standing upright with arms above his head is brought to a psychiatric ward. The story not so much casts him as the main protagonist, as revolves around him, showcasing the reactions of doctors and other patients evoked by this curious, voiceless persona. It is these people, an implicit remark at society, that perhaps play the main role. The movie ends at least as bafflingly as it begins, leaving interpretation to the audience.

A standing reception was held at the end, in order to continue the event by stimulating debate and conversation about the movies' central themes as well as the significance of their cultural background.

– I think this was a fine evening which surprised the attendees with its style and attention to art. The movies were clearly chosen to inspire. It is rare to find such an initiative focusing purely on cultural matters – mentioned Ali Zaheer, a Pakistani businessman.