Srinagar, Aug 1 (UNI) The J&K government has rolled out a slew of measures to attract filmmakers to picturesque locations in the union territory.
Over the last few years, the government has been making constant efforts to make J&K an ideal destination for Bollywood and other cinemas. In the past Jammu and Kashmir has also come up with a film policy, giving substantial advantages to filmmakers.
And today, the J&K government went a step further and launched a “Single Window portal” – to attract Bollywood and regional cinema. This would help filmmakers with shooting, permissions, and subsidies.
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday unveiled J&K Film Policy 2024 which is aimed at attracting, supporting, and facilitating regional, national, and international film production in the UT.
“The film-friendly and pragmatic J&K Film Policy will ensure that heaven on earth is truly a heaven for filmmakers. We will provide high-impact infrastructure, support in sourcing locations and a large pool of professionals, and financial incentives to make the filming more attractive in J&K,” the Lt Governor said after inaugurating the J&K Film Conclave.
He highlighted that the J&K Film Policy also provides added incentives for films in local languages, thereby promoting the regional cinema of J&K.
“It encourages filmmakers to hire local talent which will lead to employment generation and jobs for the local population of J&K,” he added.
Speaking on the new initiatives taken by the government, the Lt Governor said the new interventions will have a strong multiplier effect and play a pivotal role in developing J&K- a global Film production hub.
“Single Window portal will ensure efficient handling of intricate formalities and seamless release of subsidies,” he added.
“J&K and Cinema is a symbol of oneness and cannot be seen separately. They are a perfect match. For great filmmakers like Raj Kapoor and Yash Chopra, J&K was not only a shooting destination but also a cultural organism. In the past five years, there has been an effort to reconnect J&K with the culture of Cinema and theatre. Our new initiatives highlight this resurgence,” the Lt Governor said.
Fashion-famous Bollywood Director Madhur Bhandarkar said ‘J&K Film Conclave’ offers a platform for collaboration, idea exchange, and showcasing talent.
“The initiative aspires to build a sustainable and thriving film ecosystem in Jammu Kashmir,” he said, adding the ‘single window system’ would make film shooting in Jammu and Kashmir easier.
J&K over the past few years has been seeing an increase in the presence of filmmakers venturing into Kashmir, which is a significant development. Top Bollywood stars Shah Rukh and Salman Khan have shot movies in Kashmir.
UNI QAB/MJR BD