Srinagar, Aug 17 (NVI): Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Monday reviewed arrangements for the first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir, scheduled to be held from September 7 to 10, and directed departments concerned to designate nodal officers for smooth coordination and execution of the event.
The festival is being organised by the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Jammu and Kashmir.
During the meeting, Garg reviewed the proposed programme, objectives and arrangements for the festival, which aims to promote cinematic excellence, cultural exchange, creative collaboration, emerging filmmaking talent and international industry engagement.
Director Information and Public Relations Shreya Singhal made a detailed presentation on the festival’s vision and activities, including opening and closing ceremonies, curated film screenings, masterclasses, panel discussions, jury and filmmaker interactions, film tourism initiatives, networking and business meetings, and programmes involving students and young filmmakers.
Garg directed all concerned departments to nominate nodal officers to ensure effective inter-departmental coordination and seamless execution of festival-related activities.
He also asked the Director Information and Public Relations to prepare a comprehensive work chart for the event manager and participating departments, clearly outlining their roles, responsibilities and timelines.
Emphasising the promotion of 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.
Garg stressed the need to integrate cultural programmes with the festival and showcase Kashmir’s rich handloom and handicraft products at identified venues.
He also directed officials to prepare food menus suitable for national and international guests and ensure the deployment of bilingual service providers through outsourced agencies to facilitate communication.
The divisional commissioner called for organising heritage tours to locations identified by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation and the Handicrafts and Handloom Department.
He also reviewed plans for customised tour packages, sightseeing programmes and transportation arrangements for visiting guests.
Directions were issued to officers from the Airports Authority, district administrations of Srinagar and Baramulla, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Floriculture, KPDCL, Transport, Health, Lakes Conservation and Management Authority, AACL, Handicrafts and Handloom, Hospitality and Protocol, Education and Police departments regarding their respective responsibilities.
Deputy Commissioners of Srinagar and Baramulla, Commissioner SMC, Director Information and Public Relations, Director Floriculture, Director Airport, Managing Director KPDCL, Vice Chairman LCMA, Joint Director Information Headquarters, Joint Director Information Kashmir and senior officers of the Information Department and other concerned departments attended the meeting.(NVI)
