The Jammu and Kashmir Cine Association (JKCA) has formally requested the Union Territory government to designate Jammu as the host city for the second edition of the International Film Festival. This appeal follows the successful conclusion of the inaugural festival, which was held in Kashmir. The association lauded the UT administration for its efforts in organizing the first-ever international film event in the region, emphasizing the need to acknowledge and leverage Jammu’s significant cinematic, cultural, and artistic heritage.
During a meeting held at Kala Kendra in Jammu, attended by executive and general members, the JKCA expressed its appreciation for the successful conduct of the inaugural festival. A key point of discussion was the imperative to recognize and promote Jammu’s distinct contributions to the arts and filmmaking. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the association members were particularly pleased with the government’s initiative, proposed by the JKCA, to showcase films from the Jammu region at a local mall during the festival. This move was seen as a crucial step in bringing regional cinema to a wider audience within the event.
Dharminder Kohli, the president of the JKCA, conveyed his gratitude to the government and the Department of Information for facilitating the screening of Jammu-based films. He highlighted the association’s instrumental role in ensuring that twelve Dogri film directors, producers, actors, and technicians were honored during the festival. Kohli stated, “It was JKCA’s effort that 12 Dogri film directors, producers, actors and technicians associated with regional filmmaking were honoured during the festival. We are grateful to the government for recognising their contribution.” The association believes that the successful integration of Jammu’s regional cinema into the festival has provided a significant boost and encouragement to filmmakers and artists working in local languages across the Union Territory.
Beyond the immediate success of the festival, the JKCA has put forth a series of concrete proposals aimed at fostering the growth of regional cinema. The association urged the government to implement measures that would provide dedicated theatre spaces and ensure adequate screening opportunities for local filmmakers, directors, and producers. This, they argue, is essential for building a robust platform for regional content. Furthermore, the JKCA has demanded the establishment of a comprehensive subsidy scheme specifically designed to support film production activities within Jammu and Kashmir. This financial assistance is intended to alleviate some of the economic burdens faced by independent filmmakers and encourage more projects to be based in the region.
In a significant push for industry recognition, the association is advocating for the film sector to be granted industry status. This would pave the way for greater investment and development, potentially unlocking access to various government schemes and financial incentives. The JKCA believes that such a designation, coupled with targeted financial incentives, will be instrumental in attracting investment and strengthening the regional film industry. The ultimate goal, according to the association, is to cultivate a sustainable ecosystem for filmmaking that not only nurtures artistic talent but also generates substantial employment opportunities for artists and technicians residing in Jammu and Kashmir. This comprehensive approach, they contend, is vital for unlocking the full potential of the region’s burgeoning film sector and ensuring its long-term viability and growth.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.