NFDC to Host First-Ever Film Festival in Srinagar
Plans Training Hub for Local Talent
Srinagar: In a major boost to Jammu and Kashmir’s growing film and creative sector, the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) has announced that it will host a grand film festival in Srinagar — the first of its kind organised by the national agency in the Valley. The festival aims to celebrate regional cinema, showcase local talent, and promote Kashmir as a premier film destination.
NFDC Managing Director Prakash Magdum said the initiative will not only bring cinema closer to the people of Kashmir but also open up employment opportunities for youth passionate about filmmaking. “We are working to bring the Srinagar Film Festival to life soon. It will serve as a platform for Kashmiri filmmakers, writers, and artists to share their stories with the world,” Magdum said.
Alongside the festival, NFDC also plans to launch training courses in film production, direction, acting, and technical skills in collaboration with local universities and institutions. The move is expected to nurture a new generation of film professionals from Jammu and Kashmir.
“We will also create a database of local actors, technicians, and equipment providers to ensure that more film projects shooting in J&K can hire locally,” Magdum added.
The NFDC’s Srinagar initiative is part of a broader national effort to decentralise India’s film industry and highlight diverse cinematic voices beyond Mumbai and Chennai.
Officials said the NFDC is also promoting the India Cine Hub (ICH) — an online single-window platform designed to simplify the process of obtaining filming permissions from various government departments. The portal will make it easier for producers to plan shoots across India, including scenic and unexplored locations in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Corporation is also offering financial incentives of up to 40% to encourage both domestic and international filmmakers to shoot in India. Projects highlighting the region’s culture and landscapes are likely to receive special consideration.
Film enthusiasts in the Valley have welcomed the announcement, calling it a long-awaited step toward reviving Kashmir’s cinematic legacy. “This is wonderful news for local talent,” said budding filmmaker Aamir Mir. “Kashmir has stories, scenery, and spirit — all it needed was a platform. NFDC’s initiative can transform our creative landscape.”
With the NFDC festival on the horizon, optimism is returning to Kashmir’s artistic community. For many, it marks not just a celebration of cinema — but the rebirth of storytelling from the heart of the Himalayas.
