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In the vast and ever-expanding digital landscape of South Asia, new giants are rising in the realms of production, broadcasting, and content trade. Among these burgeoning entities stands Dot Republic Media, a quiet powerhouse nestled in the bustling city of Lahore. Operating under the umbrella of Walnut Media, a Dubai-based parent organization, Dot Republic Media has emerged as a leading force in distribution, broadcasting, and production, even boasting an exclusive music record label under its wing.
Recently, Dot Republic Media has taken a significant leap in the content trade market in Pakistan, securing the rights to 14 beloved ARY drama series for export to international audiences. The magnitude of this endeavor cannot be overstated, as it marks the first time that Pakistani content will be made accessible to viewers beyond Urdu and Arabic speakers. This trailblazing move aims to dub these classic Pakistani entertainment shows in Persian, catering to a niche audience abroad.
The first Pakistani drama series set to be released by Dot Republic Media in Persian is the widely acclaimed ‘Meray Paas Tum Ho,’ which originally aired in 2019 and was directed by the esteemed Nadeem Baig. This gripping series became a cultural phenomenon in Pakistan, captivating over 70 million viewers. Now, it seems that DRM has carefully chosen their flagship offering for the content trade market, presenting a golden opportunity to showcase the prowess of Pakistani storytelling and talent to the world.
What makes the release of the Persian-dubbed ‘Meray Paas Tum Ho’ even more beautiful is the message of hope and freedom that accompanies it. Dot Republic Media has invited the talented Iranian singer-songwriter and Grammy award winner, Shervin Haji Aghapour, to contribute to the Title OST of the Persian version. Aghapour rose to fame with his soulful anthem “Baraye,” which became the rallying cry of protests advocating for women’s freedom and basic rights in Iran after the Mahsa Amini incident in September 2022. His single received the prestigious Grammy award for ‘Best Song for Social Change’ at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards in 2023. This collaboration transcends borders, languages, and oppression, showcasing how art can unite people across different cultures and contexts.
While this may be Dot Republic Media’s most ambitious foray into content trade, it is not their first. Back in March 2019, the company struck an exclusive worldwide deal with Kanal D, a prominent Turkish television channel operated by Doğan Media International. This landmark deal allowed Dot Republic Media to distribute Turkish drama content dubbed in Urdu through their YouTube channels, including Drama Central, Turkish Dramas, Turk 1, and Best Pakistani Dramas. The Turkish content was thoughtfully localized with Urdu titles, making it more accessible and relatable to the Pakistani audience. Some of the popular Turkish titles brought to the Urdu-speaking audience included ‘Güneşin Kızları’ as ‘Sunehri Titliyaan’ (aired on Play TV), ‘Şeref Meselesi’ as ‘Aabroo’ (aired on APlus), ‘Siyah Beyaz Aşk’ as ‘Sawal e Ishq’ (aired on Play TV), ‘Afili Aşk’ as ‘Tera Mera Pyar’ (aired on Play TV), and ‘Tatlı Intikam’ as ‘Ek Haseen Intiqam’ (aired on Urdu 1).
In keeping with their global digital conquests, in 2021 DRM collaborated with Digital Durian, a Malaysian based animation company, to air the hit animated series ‘Omar and Hana’ for children in Pakistan.
Dot Republic Media is now venturing further into international waters. The company has proudly been the only Pakistani Multi-Channel Network (MCN) and distributor to participate in major international content markets such as MIPCOM, DISCOP, DICM, and ATF. These prestigious events provided Dot Republic Media with unparalleled exposure to global content creators, opening doors for fruitful collaborations and strategic partnerships.
Maintaining its ongoing relationship with Turkish television and production powerhouses, Dot Republic Media is currently engaged in talks with renowned Global Agencies, such as Merzigo, Calinos, and Kanal D for content acquisition, co-production opportunities, and distribution of Pakistani content. This exciting exchange of creative ideas and storytelling traditions promises to enrich the entertainment landscape in both Pakistan and Turkey, fostering a cultural exchange that transcends borders.
When talking about their accomplishments, DRM’s CEO, Muhammad Adnan Butt sums up their vision stating, “We want to tell stories that travel the world!”. “The commonality between the worldwide rise of non-US content by countries like Spain, South Korea and Turkey rests solely only on great story telling. Good scripts, great acting- fused with an even better production value, make these three regions delivering the best of what viewers are consuming in today’s world- however behind paywalls. With almost no exposure to the global audiences for our content in their languages, I feel we’re just setting out on a journey that will redefine Pakistan’s cultural economy, “he says confidently, regarding their latest acquisitions.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, Dot Republic Media’s remarkable journey in content trade stands as a shining example of how cultural storytelling can find a global audience. Their strategic forays into exporting Pakistani dramas to international markets and importing celebrated Turkish content have transformed them into a pivotal player in the regional entertainment industry.
In an era where cultural barriers are rapidly diminishing, Dot Republic Media’s endeavors exemplify the boundless potential of uniting diverse cultures through the medium of entertainment. The decision to dub ‘Meray Paas Tum Ho’ in Persian and collaborate with Shervin Haji Aghapour echoes the universal yearning for freedom, and the aspiration for a brighter, more inclusive future.
Indeed, the power of art, storytelling, and cross-cultural collaborations can bridge gaps and foster understanding, proving that in a world interconnected by digital networks, unity in diversity is not just a concept but a lived reality. As Dot Republic Media continues to forge new partnerships and break new ground, they are not merely dealing in content trade; they are weaving a tapestry of shared human experiences that resonate far beyond borders and languages. Theirs is a story that stands as a testament to the transformative power of media and the enduring spirit of cultural exchange.