Govt developing J&K as global film production hub: LG

Srinagar, Aug 1:Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Thursday said that the government was developing Jammu and Kashmir as a global film production hub.

Inaugurating the J&K Film Conclave organised by the Department of Information and Public Relations at Srinagar, LG Sinha while speaking on the new initiatives taken by the government said that the new interventions would have a strong multiplier effect and play a pivotal role in developing J&K as a global film production hub.

“Single window portal will ensure efficient handling of intricate formalities and seamless release of subsidies,” he said unveiling the J&K Film Policy 2024 and launching 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.

The LG also felicitated the winners of the Naya Jammu Kashmir short filmmaking competition.

He appreciated the endeavour of the Department of Information and Public Relations to host a series of events for filmmakers, industry professionals, and cinema enthusiasts in the conclave.

LG Sinha said that the J&K Film Policy 2024 unveiled today would attract, support and facilitate regional, national, and international film production in J&K.

“The film-friendly and pragmatic J&K Film Policy will ensure that heaven on earth is truly a heaven for filmmakers. We will provide high-impact infrastructure, support in sourcing locations and a large pool of professionals, and financial incentives to make the filming more attractive in J&K,” he said.

The LG said that the J&K Film Policy also provides added incentives for films in local languages, thereby promoting the regional cinema of J&K.

“It encourages filmmakers to hire local talent which will lead to employment generation and jobs for the local population of J&K,” he said.

LG Sinha said that the new initiative like the J&K film screening series was part of systemic and effective reforms to tap into a vibrant and youthful moviemaking culture and to provide space for emerging creators and film enthusiasts to exchange ideas on film aesthetics and strengthen cine-club culture.

“J&K and cinema are a symbol of oneness and cannot be seen separately. They are a perfect match. For great filmmakers like Raj Kapoor and Yash Chopra, J&K was not only a shooting destination but also a cultural organism. In the past five years, there has been an effort to reconnect J&K with the culture of cinema and theatre. Our new initiatives highlight this resurgence,” he said.

Bollywood filmmaker, Madhur Bhandarkar lauded the LG-led J&K administration for progressive film policy and initiatives to create a vibrant film ecosystem in J&K.

‘J&K Film Conclave’ offers a platform for collaboration, idea exchange, and showcasing talent.

The initiative aspires to build a sustainable and thriving film ecosystem in J&K.

The conclave is hosting a series of workshops on filmmaking, besides insightful panel discussions with film personalities like Rahat Kazmi, Parag Mehta, and Mir Sarwar.

It also features award-winning films from the Naya Jammu Kashmir short filmmaking competition, premiere screening of ‘Country of Blind’ and cultural performances by local artists.

A single window portal launched today would simplify the process of applying for shooting permissions and subsidies.

Filmmakers can now apply online for everything from shooting permits to subsidies, making the entire procedure straightforward and user-friendly.

Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo; Secretary, Information, Rehana Batul; Director Information, Jatin Kishore, senior officials, winners and participants of the short film-making competition, industry professionals, and cinema enthusiasts were also present on the occasion.