Over 11,00 entries from 80 countries; 135 films shortlisted
Srinagar, Sep 07: Stating that the first-ever International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) would help the region to reconnect with the global world of cinema, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Monday said that the event will open new vistas and create opportunities for local talent in various fields of filmmaking.
According to the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) the festival, being held from September 7 to 10, has received more than 1,100 entries from over 80 countries. Following the screening and selection process, 135 entries, including more than 60 foreign films, have been shortlisted for screening during the festival.
Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the event the Chief Secretary Dulloo said Jammu & Kashmir and cinema share a “long and beautiful relationship”, with the region’s mountains, valleys and landscapes inspiring filmmakers for decades.
He said the festival seeks to take this relationship forward by showcasing the region’s rich heritage, crafts, cuisine, music and living culture to filmmakers, artists and visitors from across the world.
“We want Jammu and Kashmir not only to inspire cinema, but also to become a place where cinema is created, celebrated and experienced,” he said.
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the function the Chief Secretary said the overwhelming response from filmmakers across the world reflected the growing interest in Jammu & Kashmir as a destination for cinema.
“This is an opportunity to connect, or rather reconnect, Jammu and Kashmir with the world of cinema,” Dulloo said.
He invited filmmakers and the film industry from India and abroad to explore Jammu & Kashmir for film shooting, highlighting its culture, cuisine, heritage and scenic landscapes.
The Chief Secretary said the festival would also provide a platform for the talented and aspirational youth of Jammu & Kashmir to learn, grow and showcase their abilities in different fields associated with cinema.
He said opportunities would be created for local youth in photography, direction, technical work, acting, music, lyric writing and other aspects of filmmaking.
“We hope this festival will open new doors for them and connect them with the wider world of cinema,” he said.
The Chief Secretary said the administration’s endeavour is to establish Jammu & Kashmir once again as a prominent and permanent destination for filmmaking and film tourism while creating greater opportunities for local talent.
“This is a win-win situation for both cinema and Jammu and Kashmir,” he said, adding that the administration wants to establish the connect with the film industry and take it from strength to strength year after year.
Dulloo expressed hope that the International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir would become an annual event and grow into a major celebration of cinema, creativity, culture and collaboration.
He said such initiatives would help revive Jammu & Kashmir’s association with the film industry and create lasting connections between the region and the global world of cinema. (KNO)
