Srinagar, September 7: Prominent Kashmiri musician and artist Jan Nisar Lone has called upon filmmakers, musicians and artists to use their creative work to build cultural bridges between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of the world, describing the region’s first International Film Festival as a significant milestone in its cultural journey.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir, Lone expressed gratitude to the organisers and governments for creating a platform that can bring filmmakers, musicians and artists from different parts of the world closer to Kashmir. He said the festival marks an important beginning for the region and has the potential to grow into a major international cultural platform in the years ahead.

Lone emphasised that artists have a responsibility that extends beyond entertainment. He urged filmmakers, music producers and singers to create work that reflects the beauty, heritage and spiritual character of Kashmir. According to him, the artistic community can play an important role in presenting Kashmir's cultural identity to global audiences and encouraging meaningful interaction between different communities.

Referring to Kashmir's deep spiritual heritage, Lone described the region as a land with a distinctive cultural and spiritual character. He invoked references associated with Lord Shiva and Hazratul Baba Mughadom while highlighting the diverse traditions that have shaped Kashmir's identity over centuries.

He also encouraged artists to draw inspiration from the natural and cultural richness of the Valley and produce creative works that match the beauty of the region. He said cinema and music can provide an effective platform for sharing Kashmir's stories, traditions and artistic heritage with audiences across the world.

The festival is being organised with the participation of the Government of India and the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, with NMDC and the Directorate of Information and Public Relations also associated with the initiative. Events connected with the festival are being held across different locations, including Jammu and Gulmarg, reflecting an effort to extend the cultural initiative beyond a single venue.

Lone described the festival as an opening for greater artistic collaboration and expressed hope that future editions would become larger and attract wider international participation. He said the inaugural edition should be viewed as the beginning of a broader cultural movement that can strengthen Kashmir's engagement with the international creative community.

The musician's remarks placed particular emphasis on the role of culture in bringing people together. Through film, music and other forms of creative expression, he said, artists can create opportunities for dialogue and develop stronger connections between Kashmir and audiences around the world.

The inaugural festival has therefore emerged not only as a celebration of cinema but also as a platform for cultural exchange. With participation from artists and filmmakers and institutional support from the government and public-sector organisations, the event is being seen as a new chapter in Jammu and Kashmir's engagement with the global film and arts community.