Srinagar, Aug 6 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha launched the much-awaited J&K Film Policy-2021, saying that the new policy will transform the Union Territory (UT) into first choice of film shooting destination for filmmakers.

The LG launched the J&K Film Policy in a star-studded evening with renowned actor Amir Khan and film maker Rajkumar Hirani among others at S K International Convention Centre (SKICC), an official said late last night.

Terming the day as historic for J&K, the Lt Governor observed that J&K Government is creating a vibrant film ecosystem to bring back the golden era of filmmaking in J&K, and transform the UT into the most preferred film destination. "Among one of the best in the country, the new Film Policy will transform Jammu & Kashmir and revive its halcyon days of being a cinematographer's delight," he added.

"I invite filmmakers from across the world to come to J&K and explore the pristine beauty of Jammu and Kashmir. At the same time, also avail a host of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, besides world-class facilities offered by the J&K Government," the Lt Governor said.

The government has set up Single Window Clearance mechanism; prepared Equipment, Location & Talent Directories, besides offering a host of incentives for filmmakers coming to the UT. The new policy also aims at maximizing the potential of promising local talent & creating livelihood opportunities for many, he further added.

“The Film Policy has been drafted after consultations with the experts and in-depth study of progressive film policies of other States/UTs and aboard. Suggestions of renowned names of the Indian Film Industry have also been incorporated while formulating the policy. The facility which one gets at other locations in Europe or America, we are committed to providing the same at the locations in Jammu and Kashmir," the Lt Governor said.

The Lt Governor noted that the presence of the likes of world-renowned names of the Film Industry on this occasion would provide a big boost to the new initiative of the government to promote the film-making sector in the UT.

J&K Film Policy is not just a government document. It is Jammu and Kashmir regaining its proud legacy of association with the world of cinema, and the long and cherished tradition of film shooting. It is also a reflection of a changing development scenario of Jammu and Kashmir and represents the aspirations of the art sector, said the Lt Governor.

“To meet the need of the film shooting, we have the manpower of more than 1500 such trained artists which will also provide an opportunity to the local talents to show their skills. Besides, there are hundreds of unexplored places, which have been left unattended by filmmakers and we are developing those potential places with the requisite facilities and team of the best local artists. The new film policy will also give a fillip to the film tourism sector, thus opening up more employment avenues for the locals,” the Lt Governor added.

He said as far as security is concerned, 10.52 lakh tourists, who visited in July alone itself shows that there is no concern from the security point of view.

Highlighting some of the key endeavours of the government to add more attraction to the film sector and introducing J&K’s long association with the films to the new generation, the Lt Governor said that the Government has decided to install illuminating signages dedicated to the directors, film actors and crew members at the locations where memorable films have been shot.

The installed signage boards will also have some interesting information related to the film for the attraction for the tourists, he added.
MORE UNI ABS GK 1135