Frequency of transnational trends and Pakistani commercial cinema: A Study on Foreign Talent, Foreign Locations and Obscenity in Pakistani Movies

Abstract

With an increase in focus on globalization, the cinema industry is also facing pressure from its audience to bring in transnationalism in their contents. Transnationalism in cinema gives diversity of experience resulting in better quality movies and increased viewership. Movies around the globe are adopting transnationalism while in Pakistan it is considered a comparatively new idea. This study has tried to make sense of the presence of transnational trends in Pakistani cinema with an emphasis on three variables, (namely, foreign talent, foreign location, and obscenity). Talent from different nationalities can bring in diverse experience on the screen and behind the lens. Similarly, the selection of multination locations also brings in more interest of viewers and obscenity, though it is a very abstract idea, also attracts viewers with different social and cultural backgrounds. A total of 12 Pakistani movies were selected and content analysis was conducted to look for the presence of foreign talent, location and obscenity resulting in transnationalism. A monitored and controlled data analysis of conveniently sampled movies has been provided along with possible reasons of the existence of these transnational trends. The conclusion of our findings and possible recommendations are also added which emphasize that cultural whitewash should be avoided in the name of transnational trends.