Omar Abdullah inaugurates first IFFJK in Srinagar, Global Filmmakers arrive in J&K

 

 

Srinagar, J&K: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday inaugurated the first International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) in Srinagar, opening a new chapter in Jammu and Kashmir’s long association with cinema.

  

Filmmakers from over 30 countries are participating in the festival, with more than 130 films being showcased. The event aims to bring filmmakers, storytellers and creative talent from across the world to Jammu and Kashmir.

 

Omar Abdullah said the festival reflects J&K’s intention to emerge as a vibrant destination for filmmakers and the creative industry. During the inauguration, the Chief Minister also felicitated filmmakers participating in the festival.

 

Speaking at the festival, Omar Abdullah said, "In more recent times, cinema in Kashmir evolved to tell deeper, more nuanced and complex human narratives...Under our comprehensive Jammu and Kashmir Film Policy, we aim to transform J&K from a beautiful location into one of the most filmmaker-friendly destinations. We offer substantial financial subsidies for filmmakers who shoot in J&K. To our foreign and national delegates, carry your piece of J&K back in your hearts. Tell your fellow filmmakers that Jammu and Kashmir is open, safe, vibrant, and eager to welcome your crews.”

 

 

Speaking at the festival, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the improved situation in Jammu and Kashmir and said it has helped make such an international event possible.

 

“We are grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the situation here has improved to such an extent, enabling us to organise such a programme here. I would also like to acknowledge the Jammu and Kashmir government, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and his team. I believe this sends a very strong message across the country and the world that cinema is as popular in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the Kashmir Valley, as it is in other parts of India.

 

I say this with particular emphasis because we have seen the time when, gradually, one cinema hall after another began to shut down. For nearly 20 to 25 years, we were deprived of cinema. This is an area that has always shared a very close relationship with Indian cinema. We have seen the era when almost every street, lane, and garden in Kashmir would host film shoots. Hotels and houseboats would be filled with guests from the film industry. I believe it will not only create avenues for income but also open up new opportunities for the youth here.”

 

 

Filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra, who has roots in Kashmir, also welcomed the return of cinema to Jammu and Kashmir and praised the organisation of the festival.

 

“My reaction is that they are back. We are back. That’s what I was telling everybody. Look at this festival. Look at what they are doing. It’s amazing. This is such a great opportunity for filmmakers from Kashmir and the rest of the world to come here, make movies, and interact with people. It’s a great opportunity.”