SRINAGAR: Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting Shri L. Murugan today stated that Jammu and Kashmir possesses immense potential to once again emerge as a preferred destination for filmmakers from across India and around the world.

Addressing the inaugural edition of the First International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Murugan remarked that the festival truly reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to encourage filmmakers to shoot and produce cinema in Kashmir. Highlighting the Union Territory’s distinctive natural landscapes and rich cinematic history, he expressed strong confidence in its renewed trajectory as a primary filmmaking hub.

The Minister emphasized that India is rapidly establishing itself as a major global power in media, digital content, and virtual reality. He highlighted various initiatives launched by the Government of India to reinforce the creative economy, including the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) and targeted programs aimed at empowering content creators and movie production houses.

Underlining the critical need to equip local youth with industry-aligned skillsets, Shri Murugan noted that the Ministry’s focus is on nurturing raw talent, establishing strong industry linkages, and providing high-quality technical infrastructure and opportunities. He praised the rising participation of youth from Jammu and Kashmir in filmmaking, screenwriting, and digital storytelling, expressing optimism that the festival will open up vibrant new avenues for local talent while fostering deeper integration with the broader creative sector.

Also speaking on the occasion, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Shri Chanchal Kumar stated that Jammu and Kashmir’s magnificent landscapes, rich literature, music, and traditions offer rich potential to position the Union Territory as both an iconic filming backdrop and a thriving center for creative enterprises.

Shri Kumar observed that the region’s cinematic evolution can be significantly accelerated by connecting local talent directly with established filmmakers, producers, mentors, and global audiences. Referencing key government initiatives such as the Create India Challenge and WAVES Bazaar, he explained how young creators can build skills, showcase their portfolios, and network with buyers, global investors, and industry collaborators.

Furthermore, the Secretary encouraged young creative minds from Kashmir to explore specialized learning opportunities at the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT), Mumbai, stressing the importance of bringing such opportunities directly to youth via outreach programs, guidance workshops, and technical sessions.

Shri Chanchal Kumar concluded by emphasizing that professional film productions engaging local youth as trainees and crew members will offer practical exposure and enhance skill levels. He expressed hope that the International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir will evolve into a long-term, sustained platform connecting local stories with international producers, creative talent with industry mentors, and promising projects with dynamic opportunities.