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The snow covered valleys of Pir Panjal, the golden leaves of Chinar and the calm waves of Dal Lake are once again going to become the biggest witnesses of cinematic magic. Kashmir Valley, which has been the most preferred shooting destination for Hindi and international cinema for decades, will no longer be limited to just shooting films, but is going to emerge as the biggest international meeting center for global cinema stalwarts, directors, screenwriters and artists. The first grand event of ‘Kashmir International Film Festival’ (KIFF) is going to be held at the famous Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Center (SKICC) in Srinagar and on the banks of Dal Lake. The most unprecedented and inspiring aspect of this historic festival is that its very first edition has received official entries of over 500 feature films, short films, animations and documentaries from 92 countries across the world. Filmmakers from various countries in Europe, Latin America, Middle East, Africa and Asia have sent their works to be showcased on this platform in Srinagar. This event is a clear and irrefutable proof that Kashmir has now completely emerged from the shadow of unrest and restrictions and has re-established its international identity as a vibrant center of art, creativity, international diplomacy and global culture.
The relationship between Kashmir and Indian cinema is not just about camera and lens, but a deep relationship of soul and beauty. In the 1960s and 70s, any major Hindi film was considered incomplete without the scenes of Kashmir. Be it the song ‘Tareef Karoon Kya Uski Josne Tumhe Banaya’ filmed on the Shikara of Dal Lake in Shammi Kapoor and Sharmila Tagore’s evergreen film ‘Kashmir Ki Kali’, or classic films like ‘Jab Jab Phool Khile’, ‘Aarzoo’, ‘Junglee’ and ‘Kabhi Kabhie’ – all these immortalized the beauty of Kashmir on the cinematic screens across the world. For the great filmmaker Yash Chopra, Kashmir had become his second home, who brought the beauty of the valley on his romantic canvas from ‘Silsila’ to his last film ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’.
However, the era of terrorism and violence that began in the 1990s brutally broke this cinematic relationship. Cinema halls closed, cameras were replaced by the sound of guns and film units moved to Switzerland and the plains of Europe. But now, after a long wait of three decades and a new cinematic ecosystem, the echo of ‘camera, rolling, action and cut’ is going to be heard again on the banks of Dal Lake. This International Film Festival is going to prove to be the biggest historic step in connecting that broken link at the global level.
The blueprint of this much-awaited film festival to be organized in Srinagar has been prepared in a very comprehensive and multi-dimensional manner. The festival’s jury includes renowned international film critics from Cannes, Berlin and the Oscars and leading Indian cinematic personalities.
The main attractions during the festival will be as follows:
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World Cinema Panorama: There will be special screenings of critically acclaimed artistic films from countries like France, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Japan, Mexico and Norway.
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Thrill of the Floating Theatre: Open-air screening of selected classic films of world cinema will be done by installing a giant screen inside Dal Lake for the spectators sitting on the shore, which will be a unique and magical experience in itself.
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Technical Workshops for Kashmiri Youth: The festival will not only be a means of entertainment but will also host 5-day intensive masterclasses and workshops by international experts on Screenplay Writing, Cinematography, Sound Designing and Digital Editing for the local youth and budding filmmakers of the valley.
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Local Talent and Kashmiri Language Films: A special competitive section has been set up for short films and documentaries made in the regional languages of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh (Kashmiri, Dogri, Gojri, Ladakhi and Pahari), so that local stories can be taken to the international audience.
The ground for organizing such international level events in Kashmir has been prepared by the government’s visionary ‘J&K Film Policy’ implemented in the last few years. Under the ‘Single Window Clearance System’ started by the administration, now any Indian or international filmmaker does not have to visit government offices to shoot in the valley. Through the online portal, all the necessary permissions, permission to fly the drone and security clearance are available under one roof in just 7 to 10 days.
Additionally, attractive financial subsidies and tax exemptions up to crores of rupees are being given to filmmakers for employing local artistes, involving local talent from Kashmir in the crew and depending on the number of days of shooting in the valley. The result of this favorable environment is that in recent months, top Bollywood directors, South Indian cinema stalwarts and web series makers have successfully completed the shooting of dozens of big projects in Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Dudhpathri and downtown Srinagar.
The impact of this international film festival will not be limited to the cultural sector only, but it is going to prove to be a big gamechanger for the entire economy and tourism industry of Jammu and Kashmir. When representatives, directors and international media personnel from 92 countries step on the soil of Srinagar, they will witness first-hand the changed peaceful, modern and secure environment of Kashmir.
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New impetus to tourism and hospitality: The arrival of foreign delegates will provide huge economic benefits to the valley’s hotels, houseboats, shikara drivers, taxi operators and local artisans involved in handicrafts (pashmina, carpets, walnut wood carvings).
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Decisive change in the global narrative: Such international cultural events prove to be the most effective weapon in canceling the misleading ‘travel advisories’ issued in the past by western countries regarding Kashmir. When filmmakers from all over the world return with a pleasant experience from here, they will emerge as the biggest brand ambassadors of Kashmir in their countries.
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New local employment opportunities: Working with international film crews will open up permanent employment opportunities for local production assistants, lightmen, transporters and junior artistes.
Shikaras floating on the waters of Dal Lake, lamps burning on the shikaras and world cinema echoing on the huge screen in front – this scene is not just a film festival, but a symbol of peace, prosperity and the confidence of the new Kashmir which stands with both hands outstretched to welcome the world with its rich cultural heritage.