Filmmakers must narrate ordeal of terror victims: LG

Srinagar, Nov 12: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday called upon filmmakers to narrate the ordeal of victims of terrorism.

Speaking at the inauguration of a film festival in Srinagar organised by Vomedh Group, LG Sinha exhorted the filmmakers to come up with films which narrate the ordeal of terror victims, expose ringleaders of the terror ecosystem, and showcase the transformation of Jammu and Kashmir after August 2019.

“We must eliminate every single terror element within the society to completely restore the peace, and this effort requires the cooperation of all sections of the public,” he said.

“People must expose the enemies of peace by providing information about them to the Police and security agencies, so that the entire terror ecosystem hiding behind the cover in the society is neutralised and a befitting reply is given to the evil intentions of the neighbouring country,” the LG said.

He said that after the last 5-6 years of tireless, dedicated work and sacrifices of the J&K Police, Army, other security forces, and intelligence, a fear-free environment in J&K had been created and a safe, supportive, and inclusive system for youth to realise their dreams had been established.

“Society must come together to guard this peace, progress, joy and renewed hope,” LG Sinha said.

He shared the efforts taken by the J&K administration to facilitate ease of film shooting and revive J&K’s bond with the film industry.

The LG also called upon the filmmakers to strike a balance between entertainment and social responsibility.

“Cinema is one of the most powerful tools for shaping social narratives, fostering cultural unity, and promoting the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,’” he said.

The 4th edition of “The International Film Festival of Srinagar” (TIFFS) received over 100 film entries from 20 countries.

A jury panel has shortlisted 20 short films, six feature films, and four documentaries for screening.

The selected feature films represent countries like India, Poland, Russia, and Sri Lanka.

Other nations represented in the selections include the USA, France, Germany, Turkey, and Switzerland.

The three days of cinematic celebration will showcase cinema that bridges cultures and celebrates storytelling.

The vibrant cultural and cinematic festival serves as a powerful symbol of J&K’s artistic resurgence, drawing filmmakers and audiences from across the world and solidifying its standing as a global platform for creative exchange.

Festival Directors, TIFFS, Rohit Bhat and Rakesh Roshan Bhat; Vice Chancellor, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai; Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Anshul Garg; DIG Central Kashmir Range (CKR), Rajiv Pandey; Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Akshay Labroo and members of Vomedh group, Avanti Foundation, and Landmark Crafts Limited also attended the inaugural ceremony.