Srinagar, Sep 10: Veteran filmmaker and cinematographer Santosh Sivan on Thursday hailed the International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK), describing it as one of the finest film festivals held in Kashmir and saying such platforms could encourage local filmmakers and inspire the valley’s youth to take up filmmaking.
Speaking at a press conference at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) on the concluding day of the festival, Sivan said the event would provide much-needed encouragement to aspiring filmmakers in Kashmir.
“This is the finest ever film festival in Kashmir. It will push local filmmakers to make films and inspire the youth of the valley to come forward and explore filmmaking,” he said.
Recalling his association with Kashmir, Sivan said the valley’s landscape and people had left a lasting impression on him and eventually influenced his 2008 film Tahaan, which was shot in Kashmir. “I was so impressed visually by Kashmir that I made a film called Tahaan in 2008,” he said.
Sivan recalled that when he came to Kashmir while working on Roja, he had little understanding of the region. However, his experiences during the visit later contributed to the idea for Tahaan.
“When I shot Roja in Himachal, I didn’t have an idea what Kashmir was. When I came to Kashmir, I saw donkeys carrying goods, and that is where an idea came for the film Tahaan. It was my first time in Kashmir,” he said.
The filmmaker also said Kashmir should not be compared with Himachal Pradesh, as both destinations offered distinct landscapes and visual possibilities for filmmakers.
Remembering his experience of shooting in the valley, Sivan said the local people had extended considerable support to the film crew.
“People were also helpful when we shot the film. They helped us at every moment,” he said.
Sivan also suggested introducing a dedicated student category at the film festival to provide young and aspiring filmmakers with an opportunity to showcase their work.
“I want the students’ category to also be kept here so that they can send their films,” he said.
