Jammu and Kashmir launches Film Policy to promote UT as shooting destination, local talents

Jammu and kashmir Economy

02-Aug-21

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Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has launched the Union Territory's Film Policy, which officials said has been worked out to facilitate the overall growth of the film industry in the region, including setting up of a film development council and revival of closed cinema halls.
The policy, launched at a star-studded event in the presence of Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan and filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani, aims at establishing Jammu and Kashmir as the first choice of film shooting destination for filmmakers.
The policy has been worked out to promote the overall growth of the film industry in the Union Territory, setting up of the Jammu and Kashmir Film Development Council and providing hands on access to website for talent pool and all shooting destinations.
It will also facilitate the development of shooting locales, infrastructure for film screening, revival of closed cinema halls, upgrading existing cinema halls, encouraging setting up of multiplexes and cinema halls, destination marketing, organising the J&K film festival, and restoration and preservation of films from the region.
The government has set up a single-window clearance mechanism, prepared equipment, location and talent directories, besides offering a host of incentives for filmmakers coming to the UT.
The Film Policy has been drafted after consultations with the experts and in-depth study of progressive film policies of other states, UTs, and other countries.
The new film policy will also give a fillip to the film tourism sector, thus opening up more employment avenues for the locals.
As far as security is concerned, 10.52 lakh tourists coming in July alone shows that there is no concern from the security point of view, the Lt Governor said.
While highlighting some of the key endeavours of the government to add more attraction to the film sector and introducing Jammu and Kashmir's long association with the films to the new generation, he said the government has decided to install illuminating signages dedicated to the directors, film actors and crew members at the locations where memorable films have been shot.
Recalling the era of 60s and 70s, the Lt Governor noted that there was a time when J&K and Hindi Film Industry were complementary to each other.
The majestic beauty of J&K has been captured through the lens and showcased on the silver screen. Renowned films makers and film personalities like Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor, Rajendra Kumar, Dilip Kumar in the 60s, and later, big names like Yash Chopra, Rahul Rawail, Mani Ratnam, had their deep association with Jammu and Kashmir.
The world will once again get to see and experience the same scenario after decades, Sinha said.