Srinagar, Sep 10: National Conference chief Dr Farooq Abdullah has expressed hope that Jammu and Kashmir will gradually emerge as a thriving hub for cinema, with film festivals playing an important role in nurturing local creative talent and providing a wider platform to artists.
Abdullah said the growth of cinema in the Union Territory could open new avenues for local artists, writers, music directors, filmmakers and other professionals associated with the creative industry.
He emphasised that film festivals should not remain limited to screenings and entertainment but should also become platforms for discovering and encouraging emerging talent from Jammu and Kashmir.
According to him, the region possesses immense cultural richness, diverse traditions and breathtaking landscapes that can provide a strong foundation for a vibrant film ecosystem. A sustained focus on cinema, he said, could help showcase J&K’s artistic heritage to audiences within the country and abroad.
The NC chief’s remarks come amid growing efforts to promote Jammu and Kashmir as a destination for filmmakers and cultural events. The organisation of film festivals in the region has provided an opportunity for filmmakers, artists, actors, writers and cinema enthusiasts to interact and exchange ideas.
He said greater opportunities for local talent could encourage young people to pursue careers in filmmaking, screenwriting, music, acting and other creative fields. Such initiatives, he added, could also contribute to employment generation and strengthen the region’s cultural economy.
Abdullah expressed hope that with continued institutional support and greater participation of the film fraternity, Jammu and Kashmir could establish itself as an important destination on the country’s cinematic map.
He maintained that the promotion of cinema should go hand in hand with the preservation of the region’s unique cultural identity. By combining its rich heritage with modern storytelling and filmmaking opportunities, J&K can present its history, traditions and contemporary aspirations to a wider audience.
The NC chief’s observations assume significance as Jammu and Kashmir seeks to build a stronger cultural and tourism ecosystem through major events, festivals and creative initiatives.
He hoped that such efforts would continue in the years ahead and create a sustainable environment where local filmmakers and artists can develop their skills, find professional opportunities and take their work to national and international audiences.
The vision, he suggested, should be to make cinema an enduring cultural and economic pillar of Jammu and Kashmir rather than a one-time festival activity.