Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
The Jammu and Kashmir Government has initiated plans to host its first international film festival, with preparations formally set in motion through the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), officials said on Thursday.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, attended by senior officials including the Additional Chief Secretaries of Finance and Tourism, Commissioner Secretary Information, Director Information and Public Relations, and other key stakeholders.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary directed the Information Department to begin groundwork for a professionally managed event of national stature, drawing comparisons with the International Film Festival of India. He emphasised the need for meticulous planning and adherence to best practices followed by leading film festivals in the country.
Officials said a dedicated committee will soon be constituted to oversee planning, coordination, and execution of the event. Dulloo also instructed the department to identify and engage a competent event management agency, setting a deadline to issue the work order by the end of May.
The Commissioner Secretary Information informed the meeting that the National Film Development Corporation of India has indicated a feasible financial framework for organising the festival, adding that preliminary groundwork has already been completed.
The festival is proposed to be held after the annual Amarnath Yatra, with final dates to be announced later.
In a significant departure from conventional formats, the event will not be confined to a single city. Film screenings and associated activities are planned across multiple destinations, including Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Bhaderwah, and Jammu, aimed at promoting film tourism and wider cultural engagement.
Officials said the initiative represents a major step towards positioning Jammu and Kashmir as a prominent destination for film production and cultural events at the national and international level.
