Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Monday reviewed preparations for the 1st International Film Festival of J&K (IFFJK), scheduled to be held from September 7 to 10 and organised by the Department of Information and Public Relations, Jammu and Kashmir.
During a meeting, Director Information and Public Relations Shreya Singhal presented the vision and objectives of the festival, including promotion of cinematic excellence, cultural exchange, creative collaboration, emerging filmmaking talent and international industry engagement.
The proposed programme includes opening and closing ceremonies, curated film screenings, masterclasses, panel discussions, jury and filmmaker interactions, film tourism initiatives, networking and business meetings, besides dedicated engagement with students and young filmmakers.
Garg directed all concerned departments to designate nodal officers for effective inter-departmental coordination. He also asked the Director Information and Public Relations to prepare a comprehensive work chart for the event manager and participating departments, clearly defining roles, responsibilities and timelines.
Emphasising Kashmir’s tourism potential, particularly emerging destinations, the Divisional Commissioner directed the Tourism Department to undertake focused branding of new tourist locations to attract filmmakers and international visitors. He also called for appropriate branding of shikaras and boats being used during the festival.
He stressed integrating cultural programmes with the festival and showcasing Kashmir’s handloom and handicraft products at identified venues. Directions were also issued for a suitable food menu for national and international guests and deployment of bilingual service providers through outsourced agencies.
Garg further called for heritage tours to locations identified by JKTDC and the Handicrafts & Handloom Department, along with customised tour packages, sightseeing programmes and transportation arrangements for visiting guests.
The meeting reviewed responsibilities of various departments and agencies, including Airport Authority, District Administrations of Srinagar and Baramulla, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Floriculture, KPDCL, Transport, Health, LCMA, AACL, Handicrafts & Handloom, Hospitality & Protocol, Education and Police.
(JJ News Desk)
