Srinagar, Sept 10 (JKNS): Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Chanchal Kumar, on Thursday said Jammu and Kashmir has immense cinematic potential and can emerge as both a leading film destination and a home for filmmakers, writers, technicians and creative enterprises.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) in Srinagar, Chanchal Kumar, as per news agency JKNS, said the festival brings together local talent, Indian cinema and filmmakers from across the world, providing a platform for the region’s stories and creative talent.
“We bring together local talent, Indian cinema and filmmakers from across the world. From Delhi to the landscapes of Jammu, Poonch, Sonamarg, Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir have given Indian cinema some of its most memorable images,” Chanchal Kumar said.
He said the opening of the first multiplex in Jammu and Kashmir in 2022 marked a significant revival of the theatre-going experience, while the hosting of an international film festival has added a promising new chapter to the region’s cinematic journey.
“Jammu and Kashmir’s cinematic potential also lies in its people, literature, music and traditions. Stories rooted in Kashmiri, Dogri, Gujarati and Pahari cultures have enriched Indian cinema and connected with audiences across the world,” he said.
Chanchal Kumar said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is working to create opportunities for young talent to develop skills, focus on original work and connect with the film and entertainment industry.
He said the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), organised in 2025, provides several opportunities for young creators through initiatives such as the Create in India Challenge, which features competitions in filmmaking, animation, music and other creative fields.
“Young creators from Jammu and Kashmir can use these platforms to develop and showcase works inspired by their language, folklore, music and everyday experiences, and gain recognition beyond the region,” he said.
He also highlighted WAVES Bazaar, describing it as a marketplace connecting creators with buyers, producers, distributors and potential collaborators.
“Filmmakers and creative enterprises from Jammu and Kashmir can showcase their films, explore commercial partnerships and reach national and international markets. It can help turn a promising creative project into a business opportunity,” he said.
The Secretary also invited young people from Jammu and Kashmir to explore opportunities at the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT), being developed in Mumbai as a National Centre of Excellence for Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics and Extended Reality.
“I invite young people from Jammu and Kashmir to explore the opportunities to acquire industry-relevant skills and prepare for careers in these fields,” he said.
Chanchal Kumar said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Government of Jammu and Kashmir can work together to bring such opportunities closer to young people through college outreach programmes, workshops and guidance, besides facilitating participation in national initiatives.
“We can also explore possibilities of collaborating on film presentation and promotion of shooting locations. We can connect local professionals with existing productions,” he said.
He emphasised that involving local youth as trainees and crew members in film productions could create lasting skills and livelihood opportunities.
“The festival itself can become a continuing meeting point where local stories find producers, creative talent find mentors and promising projects find a wider audience,” Chanchal Kumar said.
Congratulating the award winners, he urged young creators to draw inspiration from their surroundings, develop their craft and pursue their ideas with confidence.
“Your stories have a place in India and the world’s creative future,” he said, while wishing the festival continued success in the coming years. (JKNS)
