Srinagar, Sep 9 (KNS): Veteran filmmaker Ramesh Sippy, who has been visiting Kashmir since 1964, on Wednesday expressed hope that the Valley's renewed cinematic activity would encourage filmmakers to return and shoot films in Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK), the director of Sholay, Shaan and Saagar said the return of visitors and government encouragement had created optimism for the future of filmmaking in the region.

"I have been coming here since 1964, very often. In between, there were problems, so we couldn't come. But now it has reopened, everything is fine," Sippy said.

He said he hoped Kashmir would once again attract tourists as well as filmmakers looking to shoot in the Valley.

"I hope people will come, tourists will come, filmmakers will also come to shoot films just like they used to. There is also encouragement from the government," he said.

Asked whether he himself planned to shoot a film in Kashmir, Sippy said he was currently exploring the possibilities and hoped to undertake a project in the Valley soon.

"Right now we have come, observed everything and hope we will do it soon," he said.

Sippy, who is attending IFFJK, also said he was keen to watch films made by a new generation of filmmakers and see young talent receive encouragement.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

"I look forward to watching some good films here," he said, adding that the festival could provide an important platform for emerging filmmakers.

The veteran director also defended contemporary Indian cinema against criticism that filmmaking had declined, saying the country continued to produce talented filmmakers and good films.
"I believe that even today, we have very good talent. People are making good films," he said, citing filmmaker Imtiaz Ali's recent work as an example.

Sippy urged audiences and the industry to appreciate and encourage filmmakers experimenting with different forms of cinema.

"Today's filmmakers are doing their job, appreciate what they are doing, and encourage people who want to make such kinds of films," he said.

The filmmaker's remarks come amid efforts to position Jammu and Kashmir as a renewed destination for film productions, with the inaugural IFFJK bringing filmmakers, actors and cinema professionals from India and abroad to the Union Territory.

The festival is also seeking to create greater opportunities for local filmmakers while showcasing Kashmir's landscape and cultural heritage to the wider film industry.(KNS)