Srinagar, Sep 10 (KNO): Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, Chanchal Kumar on Thursday said that Jammu and Kashmir has immense cinematic potential, with its landscapes, people, literature, music and traditions offering stories that can connect with audiences across India and the world.
Addressing the closing ceremony of the first-ever International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK), Kumar, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the festival has brought together local talent, Indian cinema and filmmakers from across the world and marked a promising new chapter in the region’s cinematic journey.
“From Dal Lake to the landscapes of Poonch, Sonamarg, Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir have given Indian cinema some of its most memorable images,” he said.
He said people in the region have grown up watching films depicting Kashmir and its landscapes, while the opening of Kashmir’s first multiplex in 2022 marked a revival of the theatre experience. “Hosting an international film festival adds a promising new chapter to the journey,” Kumar said.
He said J&K’s cinematic potential also lies in its people, literature, music and traditions, with stories rooted in Kashmiri, Dogri, Gujjar and Pahari cultures having the potential to enrich Indian cinema and connect with audiences across the world. “Our aspiration is to see Jammu and Kashmir flourish both as a film destination and as a home for filmmakers, writers, technicians and theatre enterprises,” he said.
Kumar said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, is looking at opportunities for young talent in J&K to develop skills, focus on original work and connect with the industry.
Referring to the World Audiovisual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), he said the government organised WAVES 2025 last year and, as a vertical of the initiative, the Create in India Challenge brings together competitions across fields including filmmaking, animation and music, along with opportunities for mentoring and industry exposure.
“Young creators from Jammu and Kashmir can use these platforms to develop and showcase works inspired by their language, folklore, music and everyday experience and gain recognition beyond the region,” Kumar said.
He also highlighted WAVES Bazaar, describing it as another platform 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.
Kumar further invited young people from J&K 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, with support from leading industry and technology companies. “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.
He said such skills could also help young people work with local art, architecture, cultural traditions and heritage and turn them into animation, games and immersive experiences.
Kumar said the Ministry and the Government of Jammu and Kashmir could work together to bring these opportunities closer to young people through college outreach, workshops, guidance and participation in national initiatives.
He said the Centre and J&K could also explore possibilities of collaboration in film production, presentation and promotion of shooting locations, besides connecting local professionals with existing productions. “Involving local youth as trainees and crew members can help these productions contribute to lasting skills and livelihood opportunities,” he said.
Kumar said the festival itself could become a continuing meeting point where local stories find producers, creative talent find mentors and promising projects find wider audiences.
Congratulating the award winners, he urged young creators from J&K to draw inspiration from their surroundings, develop their craft and pursue their ideas with confidence. “To all the young creators of Jammu and Kashmir, I would say draw inspiration from your surroundings, develop your craft and pursue your ideas with confidence. Your stories have a place in India and world’s creative future,” he said.
Kumar further wished the festival continued success in the coming years and said he looked forward to seeing new talent and collaborations emerging from the initiative—(KNO)