Srinagar, Aug 18 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday reviewed the final preparations for the inaugural International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK), scheduled to be held from September 7 to 10 in Srinagar and Jammu.
Chairing a high-level meeting here, Abdullah stressed the need for close coordination among departments and timely completion of arrangements to ensure a smooth experience for filmmakers, artists, delegates and audiences.
The four-day festival is being positioned as an international platform for cinematic excellence, cultural exchange and creative collaboration, besides providing opportunities for local filmmakers and emerging talent.
Commissioner Secretary Information R Alice Vaz briefed the meeting on the festival programme, which will feature screenings under categories including International Competition, Cinema of the World, Bharat Panorama, J&K Select, Best Debut Film, Documentary/Hybrid and Short Films.
Masterclasses, panel discussions, in-conversation sessions, round tables and workshops involving filmmakers, actors, critics, scholars and other industry professionals are also planned.
The meeting reviewed arrangements at major venues, including the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), INOX Shivpora in Srinagar and Waves Cinema in Jammu. A proposed floating cinema at Lalit Ghat was also discussed.
Preparations for a Gulmarg excursion for a select group of filmmakers were reviewed, with visits to the Gondola, Golf Course, Gulmarg Club and other attractions planned.
Abdullah directed the concerned departments and agencies to remain fully geared up and ensure that all arrangements are completed well ahead of the festival.
He also called for showcasing Jammu and Kashmir’s heritage, cuisine, handicrafts, traditional art forms and tourist destinations during the event.
The chief minister said meticulous planning and seamless coordination would be essential to establish IFFJK as a premier annual event on the global film calendar.
The meeting also reviewed security and traffic arrangements, airport facilitation, hospitality and protocol, accommodation, transportation, medical facilities, power supply, sanitation, beautification and venue preparedness.
The Information Department was tasked with maintaining a consolidated action matrix covering departmental responsibilities, timelines, progress and pending issues, besides coordinating invitations, participant facilitation and media arrangements.
Plans for extensive publicity and branding of the festival through print, electronic, digital and outdoor media were also discussed.
The festival is expected to bring together filmmakers, artists, storytellers, industry leaders, policymakers, academicians, students and audiences from India and abroad.
Abdullah said the festival should emerge as a flagship international event showcasing Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural richness and creative potential while creating wider opportunities for local filmmakers and emerging talent.
The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, senior officers of the civil administration, police and various departments concerned.
Officers briefed the chief minister on the status of preparations and measures being taken for the successful conduct of the festival. Officers from outside Srinagar participated in the meeting through video conferencing.(NVI)
