Srinagar, Sep 10 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir has the potential to once again emerge as a preferred destination for filmmakers from India and across the world, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L Murugan said on Thursday.

Addressing the first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir, Murugan said the festival reflected Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of encouraging filmmakers to shoot and create films in Kashmir.

Highlighting the region’s distinctive landscapes and cinematic heritage, the minister expressed confidence that Jammu and Kashmir could regain its position as a major filmmaking destination.

He said India was emerging as a global hub for media, digital content and virtual reality, and highlighted government initiatives aimed at strengthening the creative economy, including the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) and programmes supporting content creators and film production.

Murugan stressed the need to equip young people with industry-relevant skills, saying the focus was on nurturing talent, strengthening industry linkages and providing quality infrastructure and opportunities.

He noted the growing participation of youth from Jammu and Kashmir in filmmaking, scriptwriting and digital storytelling and expressed hope that the film festival would create new opportunities for local talent and promote collaboration with the wider creative industry.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Chanchal Kumar, said Jammu and Kashmir’s landscapes, literature, music and traditions offered significant potential to position the Union Territory as a destination for filmmakers and a hub for creative enterprises.

He said the region’s cinematic journey could be strengthened by connecting local talent with filmmakers, producers, mentors and audiences across India and the world.

Referring to initiatives such as the Create Indian Challenge and WAVES Bazaar, Kumar said young creators could develop their skills, showcase their work and connect with industry stakeholders, buyers, investors and collaborators.

He also encouraged youth from Kashmir to explore opportunities at the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT), Mumbai, and stressed the need to take such opportunities closer to young people through outreach programmes, workshops and guidance.

Kumar said professional film productions involving local talent as trainees and crew members could provide practical exposure and help strengthen their skills.

He expressed hope that the International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir would evolve into a sustained platform where local stories connect with producers, creative talent with mentors and promising projects with new opportunities.(KNS)