SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has initiated plans to host its first international film festival, with preparations set in motion through the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), officials said on Thursday.
The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, attended by Additional Chief Secretary Finance, Additional Chief Secretary Tourism, Commissioner Secretary Information, Director Information and Public Relations and other senior officers.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary directed the Information Department to begin preparations for a professionally managed event of national stature, drawing parallels with the International Film Festival of India held in Goa.
Officials said a dedicated committee will be constituted shortly to oversee planning, coordination and supervision of the festival to ensure its smooth conduct.
Dulloo also directed identification and engagement of a competent agency for managing the event, while stressing the need to study best practices followed in similar film festivals across the country. He set a target of issuing the work order to the selected agency before the end of May.
Commissioner Secretary Information informed the meeting that the National Film Development Corporation of India has indicated reasonable financial requirements for organizing the event and said the department has already completed preliminary groundwork.
The proposed festival is planned to be held after the annual Amarnath Yatra, with final dates to be decided by the concerned department.
In a significant move, the festival will not be limited to Srinagar, with film screenings and related events proposed at multiple tourist destinations including Bhaderwah, Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Jammu to promote film tourism and cultural outreach.
Officials said the initiative marks a major push to position Jammu and Kashmir as a hub for film tourism and cultural engagement at the national level.
