Srinagar, Sept. 10: Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting L. Murugan today said Jammu and Kashmir has the potential to once again emerge as a preferred destination for filmmakers from India and across the world.
Addressing the first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir, Murugan said the festival reflects 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, he expressed confidence in its renewed potential as a filmmaking destination.
The Minister said India is emerging as a major global hub for media, digital content and virtual reality, and emphasised the Government’s initiatives to strengthen the creative economy, including the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) and programmes supporting content creators and film production.
Emphasising the need to equip young people with industry-relevant skills, Shri Murugan said the focus is on nurturing talent, strengthening industry linkages and providing quality infrastructure and opportunities. He noted the growing participation of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth in filmmaking, scriptwriting and digital storytelling, and expressed hope that the festival would create new opportunities for local talent and foster collaboration with the wider creative industry.
On the occasion Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Chanchal Kumar said Jammu and Kashmir’s landscapes, literature, music and traditions offer 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, Shri Kumar said young creators can develop skills, showcase their work and connect with industry, buyers, investors and collaborators.
He also encouraged young people from Kashmir to explore opportunities at the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT), Mumbai, and emphasised the need to take such opportunities closer to youth through outreach, workshops and guidance.
The Secretary said professional film productions involving local talent as trainees and crew members could provide practical exposure and strengthen 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 opportunities.
