Pakistani artistes controversy: Mumbai film festival 2016 will not screen Pak movies

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New Delhi: Amidst the controversy over the hiring of Pakistani artists and technicians in Indian films, the Mumbai Academy of the Moving Image (MAMI) has reportedly decided to boycott films from the other side of the border. According to ANI, no Pakistani movies will be screened at this year's edition of Mumbai film festival.

On Sunday, there were reports that a city-based social organisation is irked with MAMI Mumbai Film Festival organisers for selecting a Pakistani film to be showcased at the upcoming event, and plans to protest against the same for which it has sought police permission.

The outfit, Sangharsh, has accused the organisers of playing with the nationalist sentiments of people of India.

The 18th edition of the festival will be held from October 20-27 in which over 180 films from 54 countries would be screened at several spots across the city.

Pakistani atirstes and movies are facing a huge backlash in India lately.

On Friday, the Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India also decided to boycott Fawad Khan starrer 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' and said their decision has been taken considering the patriotic sentiments of the country amid tensions between India and Pakistan following the September 18 terror attack which killed Indian soldiers.

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena had earlier warned Pakistani actors to quit India and said it would not let movies -- including 'ADHM' and 'Raees' -- to release.

(With inputs from agencies)