J&K can once again emerge as global filmmaking destination: MoS Murugan

11/09/2026

SRINAGAR, Sep 10: Jammu and Kashmir has the potential to once again emerge as a preferred destination for filmmakers from India and across the world, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L Murugan said on Thursday.
Addressing the first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir, Murugan said the festival reflected Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of encouraging filmmakers to shoot and create films in the region.
Highlighting Jammu and Kashmir's distinctive landscapes and cinematic heritage, he expressed confidence that the Union Territory could regain its position as a prominent filmmaking destination.
Murugan said India was emerging as a major global hub for media, digital content and virtual reality, and highlighted government initiatives such as the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) and programmes supporting content creators and film production.
He stressed the need to equip young people with industry-relevant skills, strengthen industry linkages and provide quality infrastructure and opportunities. He noted the growing participation of J&K youth in filmmaking, scriptwriting and digital storytelling and said the festival could open new avenues for local talent and collaboration with the wider creative industry.
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Secretary Chanchal Kumar said Jammu and Kashmir's landscapes, literature, music and traditions offered significant potential to position the Union Territory as a destination for filmmakers and a hub for creative enterprises.
Kumar said the region's cinematic journey could be strengthened by connecting local talent with filmmakers, producers, mentors and audiences across India and the world.
Referring to initiatives such as the Create Indian Challenge and WAVES Bazaar, he said young creators could develop skills, showcase their work and connect with industry, buyers, investors and collaborators.
He also encouraged youth from Kashmir to explore opportunities at the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT), Mumbai, and stressed the need to take such opportunities closer to young people through outreach programmes, workshops and guidance.
Kumar said professional film productions involving local talent as trainees and crew members could provide practical exposure and strengthen their skills. He expressed hope that the International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir would evolve into a sustained platform connecting local stories with producers, creative talent with mentors and promising projects with opportunities.

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