Khan objects to J&K govt film festival being called ‘first international film festival’

Says international-level film festivals in Kashmir began in 2017; seeks greater support and representation for local filmmakers

Srinagar: Founder and Director of the Kashmir World Film Festival (KWFF), Mushtaque Ali Ahmad Khan, has objected to the recent film festival organised by the J&K Government being described as the “first international film festival” of Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that international-level film festivals in Kashmir began in 2017.

Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Khan said he founded the Kashmir World Film Festival in 2017, at a time when there was no functional cinema hall in Kashmir. He said the festival had since developed into an international platform, with films from countries including the United States, Italy, Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey, Korea, Nepal and Bangladesh being screened during different editions.

Khan said several prominent personalities from the Indian film industry, including Tabu, Raza Murad, Rajit Kapur, Madhur Bhandarkar, Anjum Rajabali and Shishir Sharma, had participated in various editions of the festival.

He said the KWFF also organised filmmaking workshops and masterclasses aimed at providing local youngsters opportunities to develop their skills and gain exposure to the film industry.Khan said that for nearly two years he had been submitting suggestions to the government for strengthening the Kashmir World Film Festival. However, he alleged that the recently organised government festival had created a parallel platform, while the local film fraternity was not given the representation it deserved.

He maintained that a genuinely international film festival should give due importance to local filmmakers and provide them opportunities to showcase their work before wider audiences.

Khan urged the elected government to provide adequate financial and institutional support to local filmmakers and festival directors. He also stressed the need to involve experienced professionals in the planning and organisation of film festivals.Khan said he would continue his efforts towards the revival of Kashmir’s film industry and work to create greater opportunities for local filmmakers. He added that efforts would also continue to secure wider international recognition for the Kashmir World Film Festival.