Lt Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurates J&K Film conclave, unveils J&K film policy 2024

Kashmir Valley used to be the Hindi film industry's favourite destination for decades before the insurgency. And now the Jammu and Kashmir government is working for the revival of film tourism in the valley.

Hundreds of filmshave been shotin the valley in the last few years and on Thursday(Aug1) the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, inaugurated the J&K Film Conclave. During the event, he also unveiled the J&K Film Policy 2024, a single-windowportal for film shooting permissions and subsidies.

J&K Film Policy 2024 will attract, support and facilitate regional, national and international film production in the Union Territory (UT). This film-friendly and pragmatic policy will ensure that the Kashmir Valley, often referred to asthe "heaven onearth" is truly a haven for filmmakers.

The Single Window portal willensure the efficient handling of intricate formalities and the seamless release of subsidies.The government’s new initiatives will have a strong multiplier effect and play a pivotal role in developing J&K as a global film production hub.

Earlier today, inaugurated J&K Film Conclave, which will host series of events for filmmakers, industry professionals & cinema enthusiasts. Also, unveiled J&K Film Policy 2024 to attract, support & facilitate regional, national & international film production in the UT. pic.twitter.com/ZCdcl5xyUN — Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) August 1, 2024

"The J&K administration is following a model to build film-shooting infrastructure on the lines of European countries so that J&K becomes a global film destination soon. In the last five years, we have succeeded in reviving the Cinema culture in J&K. We had rolled out a film policy in 2021, but there were some gaps and loopholes. Today, we have launched the New Film Policy 2024 where all previous gaps have been filled. The new policy entails 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 as well,"said Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.

In the past five years, there has been an effort to reconnect J&K with the culture of cinema and theatre. Bollywood filmmakers have been visiting the valley often to shoot their movies, ads, and short films.

Bollywood filmmaker, Madhur Bhandarkar,lauded the Lt governor-led UT administration for the progressive film policy and initiatives to create a vibrant film ecosystem in J&K.

"It's a great initiative by the government of Jammu and Kashmir. And I feel such an initiative was very essential for the filmmakers across India. The single window clearance is a great way of attracting filmmakers. The locals get a lot of chances if films are shot in these locations, and I see a lot of talent here. This will be beneficial for the talent,"said Madhur Bhandarkar.

J&K Film Conclaveoffers a platform for collaboration, exchanging ideas, and showcasing talent. The initiative aspires to build a sustainable and thriving film ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir. The conclave is also hosting a series of workshops on filmmaking, besides insightful panel discussions with film personalities.

"I am very happy. This is one of my dreams. Any activity around films is my dream. I started the Kashmir world film festival, and I have been fighting for the opening of cinema halls in Kashmir. But one is not enough but we want more. We also want film makers from across India and abroad to come and shoot here. It is an open studio, and every place is great to shoot. There is one window permission for filmmakers and its great,"said Mushtaq Ali Khan, festival director of the Kashmir WorldFilm Festival and filmmaker.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also felicitated the winners of the Naya Jammu Kashmir Short Film Making Competition.