SRINAGAR, AUG 1 : Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday unveiled Jammu and Kashmir Film Policy 2024 here and said it will attract, support, facilitate national and international film production.

The Lt Governor also launched a slew of initiatives for film shooting permissions.He said the J&K Film Policy 2024 will attract, support and facilitate regional, national and international film production in the Union Territory.

“J&K and Cinema is a symbol of oneness and cannot be seen separately”, Sinha said and added “they are a perfect match”.

He said for great filmmakers like Raj Kapoor and Yash Chopra, J&K was not only a shooting destination but also a cultural organism.

“In the past five years, there has been an effort to reconnect J&K with the culture of Cinema and theatre. Our new initiatives highlight this resurgence”, the Lt Governor said.

He also launched a slew of initiatives including Single Window portal for Film Shooting Permissions and Subsidies, J&K Film Screening Series and Frames of Transformation Photography competition here.

“The film-friendly and pragmatic J&K Film Policy will ensure that heaven on earth is truly a heaven for filmmakers. We will provide high-impact infrastructure, support in sourcing locations and a large pool of professionals, financial incentives to make the filming more attractive in J&K,” Sinha said.

He inaugurated the J&K Film Conclave, organised by the Department of Information and Public Relations, at Srinagar during which he felicitated the winners of Naya Jammu Kashmir Short Film Making Competition.

The Lt Governor highlighted that the J&K Film Policy also provides added incentives for films in local languages, thereby promoting regional cinema of J&K. It encourages filmmakers to hire local talent which will lead to employment generation and jobs for the local population of J&K, he added.

In his address, he appreciated the endeavour of the Department of Information & Public Relations for hosting a series of events for filmmakers, industry professionals and cinema enthusiasts in the Conclave.

Speaking on the new initiatives taken by the government, the Lt Governor said the new interventions will have a strong multiplier effect and play a pivotal role in developing J&K- a global Film production hub.

Single Window portal will ensure efficient handling of intricate formalities and seamless release of subsidies, he added.

Sinha said the new initiative like J&K Film Screening Series is part of systemic and effective reforms to tap into a vibrant and youthful moviemaking culture and to provide space for emerging creators and film enthusiasts to exchange ideas on film aesthetics and strengthen Cine-club culture.

Bollywood film-maker Madhur Bhandarkar lauded the Lt Governor led administration for progressive Film policy and initiatives to create a vibrant film ecosystem in J&K.

‘J&K Film Conclave’ offers a platform for collaboration, idea exchange, and showcasing talent. The initiative aspires to build a sustainable and thriving film ecosystem in Jammu Kashmir.

The conclave is hosting a series of workshops on filmmaking, besides insightful panel discussions with film personalities like Rahhat Kazmi, Paragg Mehta, and Mir Sarwar.

It also features Award-winning films from the Naya Jammu Kashmir Short Film Making Competition, premiere screening of “Country of Blind” and cultural performances by local artists.

Single Window portal launched today will simplify the process of applying for shooting permissions and subsidies.

Filmmakers can now apply online for everything from shooting permits to subsidy, making the entire procedure straightforward and user-friendly.

Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Rehana Batul, Secretary, Information; Jatin Kishore, Director Information, senior officials, winners and participants of the Short Film-Making Competition, industry professionals and cinema enthusiasts were present on the occasion.(UNI)