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WINDS OF CHANGE IN J&K

Vijay Gupta. Dated: 9/26/2022 1:14:13 PM

Opening of Cinema Multiplexes: Renewing the bond between Kashmir and Bollywood

Vijay Gupta Jammu, Sept 25 For about four decades, Kashmir Valley remained a veritable paradise for Bollywood film makers and its idyllic locales were background of several blockbuster Hindi movies. It is often said that 1960’s, 70s and 1980s, was virtually a golden period in relation between Bollywood and Kashmir. Onset of Pakistan sponsored terrorism in 1990’s of last century not only stopped filmmakers to venture in valley but also sounded death knell for the cinema halls. For next three decades, a generation remained aloof from enjoying the cinematic experience on big screen in Valley. However due to the visionary efforts of the Union territory Administration led by Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha during last two years, the opening of multipurpose Cinema Halls in Shopian, Pulwama and the first-ever Multiplex in Srinagar marks the revival of cinema culture in the Kashmir valley after three decades. The opening of cinema halls in Kashmir is reflection of government’s determination to fulfill a new dawn of hope, dreams, confidence and aspirations of people. With the opening of its first multiplex theatre after 32-years, people of Kashmir would be able to see a film on the big screen. Following the inauguration of two multi-purpose cinema halls in Pulwama and Shopian, the UT Government is building multi-purpose cinema halls in all the districts of J&K. The Lt Governor Manoj Sinha has also said that the new Film Policy rolled out with special provisions and incentives for encouraging local youth to take up film as a career. He has said that government is in talks with various stakeholders and have identified the land for developing Film City in the Union Territory and the facility will come-up in the UT soon. It is pertinent to mention here that last year, the Jammu and Kashmir government under the guidance of Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha had issued a film policy for the union territory, with the aim of Government the potential of both its film servicing industry, as well as the promising local film industry. The policy covers the period from its release till 2026. According to the policy, the relation between Jammu and Kashmir and films is legendary. J&K has breath-taking locales, a large number of religious and heritage sites, dense forests, waterfalls, a long and cherished tradition of film shooting. It has often been high lighted that Kashmir had half a dozen cinema halls till the early 1990s. Srinagar was a hub of entertainment once as the district had almost eight big Cinemas – Palladium, Regal, Sheeraz, Neelam, Khayam, Broadway, Naaz and Firdous. Majority were either shutdown or were burnt by the militants. The government in erstwhile state during 1999-2000 also tried to re-open few cinema halls, but there were attacks on them leading to the closure again. For decades, filmmakers were preferring to shoot their movies in foreign locations. Due to lack of promotion and fear of gun , Kashmir valley was almost forgotten. Although few Bollywood directors have been shooting in Valley and parts of Jammu region, there has been no major inflow of the filmmakers due to lack of support and necessary infrastructure. Now the Union territory Administration has decided to give incentives to young filmmakers under the new film policy so that local employment is generated. The Government aims to use the film industry as a source of investment, employment opportunities, as well as a means of brand promotion to attract tourists, said the policy.It also mentioned the setting up of the Jammu & Kashmir Film Development Council (JKFDC) to achieve these objectives. Young generation have a strong urge to see a better society, to learn about other cultures, to become part of interdependent world. And, it is the responsibility of the administration to provide them opportunities and support. The new cinema halls and ongoing film shootings will renew the beautiful bond between Jammu Kashmir and the Indian Film Industry, he further added.

BADALTA J&K

* The J&K has created Film Development Fund (FDF) in the Information department for the fiscal year 2022-23, for disbursement of subsidies envisaged in the J&K Film Policy 2021.
* n Government has allocated Rs 500 crore to be payable in the next five years for financially supporting the development of a vibrant film ecosystem.
* As per the Policy, “starting from fiscal year 2022-23, a separate head of account shall be created as Film Development Fund, in the Information Department.
* An annual budgetary allocation of Rs. 100 crore for the remainder term of the Film Policy shall be made by the Finance Department for disbursement of subsidies to the eligible beneficiaries/ film makers who have applied for the same“.
* J&K Film Development Council (JKFDC) would be the single point of contact for supporting development of a vibrant film ecosystem in the UT and will exclusively oversee the implementation of the Jammu & Kashmir Film Policy.
* Like the increase in footfall of tourists, film crews are also returning to Valley to capture the picturesque, shooting friendly locales which will give a huge fillip to UT’s economy besides giving new dimensions to Film tourism here.
* The policy aims at generating opportunities for job creation, attracting additional capital investment through the film industry and providing information about the most incredible, amazing and beautiful places in Jammu & Kashmir.
* There shall be a simple process for grant of permissions through a single-window mechanism to the production houses for film making in Jammu and Kashmir. This will incentivize and boost domestic and international film production in Jammu and Kashmir.
* Appropriate security and safety arrangements would be made free of cost to enable the filmmakers to complete shooting. Permission to shoot shall include police clearance and shall be granted within one month of receiving application from the applicant.
* Jammu & Kashmir Film Archives will be set up in the Directorate of Informa tion and PR. This will enable the Government to not only maintain a record of the acclaimed work but also create a database of the film industry going forward.
* The Chairman J&K Film Development Council (JKFDC) shall provide approvals for film shooting in J&K based on the recommendation of the appraisal committees- Location Permission Committee and Script Screening Committee.