A special screening for Pakistan’s first stereoscopic 3D animated film, Allahyar and the 100 Flowers of God, addressing environmental issues and social inequality, was held in Karachi.

“Most animated movies are imported from other countries. There is a need to make content related to our language, culture and country,” movie director Uzair Zaheer Khan told Aaj News. “Our children will learn what they watch. We need to narrate them our stories and show them our culture to give them something to be proud of.”

He added: “It takes more time and effort to make such an animated 3D film while the budget also increases due to the use of technology, which could be a reason most directors do not venture into this field.”

Allahyar and the Hundred Flowers of God, the sequel to Allahyar and the Legend of Markhor, was released in theatres on Eidul Azha.

Allahyar and the 100 Flowers of God is a comedy and action movie in Urdu. Completely made in Pakistan, this is the first stereoscopic 3D movie in the country.

The story of the animated film revolves around the main character of Allah Yar, a young boy from the northern regions of Pakistan who travels to a new world with his friend, Hero to save his father from a tree-cutting robot.

The film not only addresses the damage caused by cutting trees but also gives awareness about the environment.

Fans present at the screening, said that the audience will show interest if the makers produce “something different”.

They said that the movie has “incredible animation” along with exceptional voice-overs which will attract the audience.

“The future of animated films in Pakistan is not easy as we already have a shortage of theatres. It will be difficult for filmmakers and producers to make animated films unless such a Pakistani film does successful business,” said Imran Azhar, who is associated with the animation industry.

He stressed the need for coming up with “unique thinking” to sell the films that are being made in the country.

Humayun Saeed, Azfar Jafri, Anum Zaidi, Iqra Aziz, Ali Zafar, Bushra Ansari, and Meera are the voice-over actors for the characters of the movie.

Actress Iqra Aziz said that animated films are watched not only by children but also by adults. “Animated films are very popular across the globe. Pakistan is also a huge market, however, we have very few such movies made because its scope is considered low in the country.”

Regarding the experience of giving voiceovers, the actress said that doing voiceovers is difficult compared with acting. But she said that some of her scenes were animated in advance which helped her do her job with ease.

The plot of the movie also touches upon the themes of social inequality and injustice, as well as the strength of unity and the value of friendship.