DIPR hosts J&K’s first-ever film conclave on Dal Lake banks

Srinagar, Aug 1: The Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) Thursday hosted a vibrant and engaging first-ever Jammu and Kashmir Film Conclave at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Center (SKICC) situated at the banks of world famous Dal Lake.

During the inaugural session, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha unveiled the J&K Film Policy 2024 and launched a slew of initiatives including a single window portal for film shooting permissions and subsidies, J&K film screening series, and frames of transformation photography competition.

He also felicitated the winners of Naya Jammu Kashmir short film-making competition.

The day-long event featured a series of panel discussions, filmmaking workshops, and exclusive film screenings, marking a significant milestone in the region's cinematic landscape.

The conclave’s afternoon session commenced with insightful panel discussions focusing on the evolving film ecosystem in J&K.

On the occasion, Director Information, Jatin Kishore spoke about the J&K Film Policy 2024 and said that it was designed to simplify processes and enhance opportunities for the growth of cinema in J&K.

With the launch of the single-window system, the department aims to simplify the process of permissions and subsidies, so that the filmmakers can focus on their creative endeavours.

Renowned film director Madhur Bhandarkar, director and writer Rahat Kazmi, casting director-producer Paragg Mehta, and actor Mir Sarwar shared their invaluable perspectives and experiences with the audience.

Filmmaking workshops were also organised during the conclave with discussions ranging from the global appeal of local narratives to practical insights for aspiring actors and filmmakers.

Highlighting the artistic diversity of the region, the conclave featured screenings of impactful short films like ‘Melting Stones’, ‘I am Valmiki’, and ‘Unveiling Strength: The Women Athletes of Kashmir’. Additionally, audiences were treated to the premiere screening of ‘Country of Blind’, an internationally acclaimed film by director Rahat Kazmi, based on H G Wells' classic story ‘The Country of the Blind’. This marked its first-ever screening in India, further underscoring the conclave's commitment to showcasing cutting-edge cinema.

Joint Director Information Headquarters, Vivek Puri; Joint Director Information Kashmir, Muhammad Aslam; Deputy Director Information AV and PR, Deepak Dubey; Deputy Director Information (C), Sunil Kumar and Deputy Director Information Kashmir (PR), Ahsan-ul-Haq Chisthi were also present on the occasion.