Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 12: In a significant move to re-establish Jammu & Kashmir as a powerhouse of Indian cinema, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), J&K UT Council, successfully convened the inaugural CII J&K Film Festival.
The event, marked by vibrant discussions and a collective vision, brought together the region’s noted film fraternity, policymakers, and cultural custodians to unlock the UT’s full potential as a content creation hub.
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The Conclave was graced by Nasir Aslam Wani as the chief guest, who underscored the government’s commitment to this creative resurgence.
In his address, Wani reflected on the region’s iconic legacy and promising future: “Jammu and Kashmir is not just a scenic location; it is a feeling that has captivated Indian cinema for generations. After challenging times, we are witnessing a phenomenal resurgence. The influx of film and OTT productions is a testament to the improved environment and unparalleled beauty we offer. Our focus now is to complement this natural advantage with robust infrastructure, streamlined permissions, and a skilled local workforce to ensure that the story of J&K’s cinematic return is written by its own people.”
The proceedings began with welcome remarks by Atul Vinod Duggal, Film maker and founder of AVD Motion Pictures, who set the tone by sharing his personal journey and the unique narrative potential of J&K. Dr MA Alim, Chairman, CII J&K UT Council, outlined CII’s role as a catalyst, stating, “This festival is the first step in a structured mission to create an ecosystem where art meets enterprise. We are here to facilitate dialogue, attract investment in film infrastructure, and ensure that the economic benefits of this creative boom are deeply rooted within our communities.”
The agenda featured two insightful panel discussions. The first, on “The Future of Filmmaking & Content Creation in J&K,” featured speakers including Maheer Thakur, Information Officer, AV, Bharat Arora, Director, Print Bucket, Ashish Nijhawan, and Lal Chand, additional secretary, J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages, who emphasized promoting local stories and talent. The second panel, “Building a Skilled Film Workforce in J&K,” with panelists- Garima Gupta, HOD, Department of Journalism, Jammu University, and Ajay Khajuria, Professor, MIET and Ufair Azaj, Convener, CII J&K Skill Development Panel.
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