Kashmir: Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced a transformative vision for the Union Territory (UT) at the J&K Film Conclave on Thursday. The administration is set to develop film-shooting infrastructure modeled after European countries, with the goal of establishing J&K as a premier global film destination.
Addressing an audience of renowned Bollywood directors, artists, short filmmakers, and cinema enthusiasts at the International Convention Centre on the banks of Dal Lake, LG Sinha emphasized the historical and organic connection between J&K and the film industry. “I remember Raj Kapoor’s love for film shooting in Kashmir. It wasn’t all about just shooting. There has been an organic relationship between film shooting and Cinema in J&K. We are trying to revive the Bollywood of yesteryears,” he said.
He highlighted the administration’s efforts over the past five years to rejuvenate the region’s cinema culture. The introduction of the New Film Policy-2024 is a cornerstone of this initiative, addressing the gaps and challenges of the previous 2021 policy. “Today, we have launched the New Film Policy-2024 where all previous gaps have been filled. The new policy entails a Single Window Cell that will make film shooting easier for directors and producers interested in shooting in J&K. There will be ease in giving permissions for shooting and also hiring local talent,” LG Sinha explained.
The policy is designed to create a compact film ecosystem, offering subsidies and grants to both veteran and emerging filmmakers. The Single Window Cell will streamline the process of obtaining shooting permissions, ensuring a hassle-free experience. “Efforts are afoot to provide a compact film ecosystem to film shooting lovers, directors, and producers,” he added.
LG Sinha also noted significant improvements in road connectivity to key shooting locations, underscoring the administration’s commitment to supporting the dreams of the UT’s youth.
The J&K Film Conclave featured the unveiling of the Film Policy-2024, the launch of a Single Window Portal for film shooting permissions and subsidies, and the screening of “Naya Jammu and Kashmir” films. Other highlights included the launch of the “Frames of Transformation” photography competition, the inauguration of a J&K film screening series, workshops on filmmaking by leading industry experts, and a panel discussion with eminent film personalities.
By addressing previous policy shortcomings and introducing robust support mechanisms, J&K is poised to reclaim its status as a coveted destination for filmmakers worldwide.