Kashmir Sets Stage For 1St International Film Festival

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- Jammu and Kashmir is set to host its first International Film Festival, with the four-day event expected to bring together filmmakers, artists, producers and cinema enthusiasts from across the world and provide a platform for local talent to gain international exposure, officials said.

The festival, being organised at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), Jammu and Gulmarg, will feature screenings of more than 130 films from over 40 countries, besides masterclasses, panel discussions and conversations with professionals from different areas of filmmaking.

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Officials said the festival is aimed at building on Jammu and Kashmir's longstanding association with cinema while creating opportunities for local artists, producers, filmmakers and technical professionals to connect with the international film industry.

The initiative is also intended to help develop a wider film ecosystem in the Union Territory and eventually convert filmmaking into a sustainable film economy, officials said.

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The administration has stepped up preparations for the event, with a comprehensive coordination mechanism being put in place for filmmakers, delegates, guests and audiences.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Thursday reviewed the arrangements at a high-level meeting held at the Auditorium of the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR).

The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, Secretary Information, Director DIPR, SSP Srinagar, SSP Security, SSP Traffic, heads of departments, nodal and liaison officers and officials of the Information Department.

Garg directed officers to ensure disciplined execution, close coordination and clear ownership of their respective assignments as the festival enters its final preparatory phase.

He also called for continuous information sharing and zero communication gaps between departments and field teams, stressing that timely response to emerging requirements would be crucial for the smooth conduct of the event.

The meeting reviewed arrangements covering the arrival, transportation and accommodation of guests, opening and closing ceremonies, sightseeing and guided tours, film screenings and participation at festival venues.

Preparations at airports, transport arrangements, accommodation facilities, floating cinema, parking, beautification of parks and venues, help desks, selfie points, stalls and other allied arrangements were also assessed.

The Director Information briefed nodal officers on their responsibilities, action points and operational requirements, covering the movement and facilitation of guests and participants from Jammu Airport and Srinagar Airport to the principal festival venues, including SKICC and INOX.

Officials said the festival will have seven film categories, including International Panorama, Bharat Panorama, Cinema of the World, Documentary, Hybrid Documentary and the J&K Select section, which will specifically showcase local artists, producers and filmmakers.

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A key objective of the event is to provide local talent with an international platform while giving acclaimed filmmakers and artists visiting from outside the region an opportunity to discover the talent available in Jammu and Kashmir.

The festival is expected to bring more than 300 invited delegates from across the world to J&K, providing opportunities for interaction between visiting professionals, local artists and audiences.

Officials said the event will place significant emphasis on the technical aspects of filmmaking, with masterclasses covering areas such as cinematography and writing. Brand partners are also expected to showcase filmmaking equipment and technology for young participants.

The festival will also provide opportunities for artists and industry professionals to exchange contacts, share experiences and explore potential collaborations.

Officials said the presence of experienced filmmakers and artists through panels and masterclasses would also give young participants an opportunity to learn about professional journeys and the challenges involved in building careers in the film industry.

The government is also seeking to build on J&K's established association with cinema, where filmmakers and production houses have long visited the region for film and song shoots.

Officials said the broader objective is to position Jammu and Kashmir not only as a filming destination but as a facilitative ecosystem where filmmakers can work with local artists and technical professionals.

The festival is intended to become an annual affair and establish a benchmark in terms of cinematography and filmmaking quality, officials said.

With the event entering its final preparatory phase, the administration has urged students, film enthusiasts, media and mass communication students, industry professionals and others interested in filmmaking to participate in the festival.

The initiative is ultimately aimed at connecting local talent, technical professionals and the wider global film industry, while leveraging Jammu and Kashmir's cinematic legacy to create sustainable opportunities in the region's film economy, officials said.

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