Srinagar, Sept 9 (JKNS): The Jammu and Kashmir administration is working to revive the region’s historic association with Bollywood and position J&K as an attractive destination for filmmakers from across India and the world, Joint Director Information Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari said on Wednesday.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the floating cinema show in the dal lake, at International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK), as per news agency JKNS, Bukhari said the administration wanted to restore confidence among filmmakers and encourage them to return to Kashmir for film shoots.
“We want to revive that old tradition and give confidence to people from Bollywood that they can come to Kashmir and shoot their films here,” he said.
Bukhari said Jammu and Kashmir had immense potential for filmmaking and had historically remained a natural choice for film productions, adding that efforts were being made to attract filmmakers from across the globe.
He said the IFFJK received an overwhelming response, with more than 360 delegates from outside J&K attending film screenings, expert sessions and other programmes during the festival.
The floating cinema on Dal Lake emerged as one of the major attractions of the festival and drew large crowds.
“You have seen the response yourself. All the surrounding areas are packed with people. They come and enjoy. It’s an instant hit,” Bukhari said.
He said efforts would be made to further develop the floating cinema concept and expressed hope that the Tourism Department would take the initiative forward as an attraction for visitors to the Valley.
Bukhari also said the administration intended to organise the film festival annually and was exploring the possibility of holding a winter edition in Gulmarg.
“We are also exploring the possibility of planning a film festival during winter. Perhaps we could organise it in Gulmarg during the winter season,” he said.
He added that the participation of prominent filmmakers and industry personalities, including veteran filmmaker C.P. Dixit of Sholay fame, would provide local youth with opportunities to interact with experienced professionals and contribute towards strengthening J&K’s filmmaking ecosystem. (JKNS)
