Srinagar, Sep 08: Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali on Tuesday said Kashmir offers unparalleled cinematic possibilities and expressed hope that more moviemakers would explore the region’s untold stories through cinema.
Speaking to the media at the International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) here, Ali said filmmakers often look for opportunities to return to Kashmir and shoot their films in the valley.
“We also look for an excuse to come back to Kashmir and shoot here because there is no more beautiful place in terms of cinematic views than Kashmir. It has always been a great experience shooting here,” he said.
He said Kashmir has numerous stories that have not yet found their way to the screen, adding that the region has often been portrayed either as “heaven” or through a different lens.
“Kashmir has so many stories to tell, but they have not come out. Either it has been shown as heaven or sometimes something else. I think Kashmiri humour is also very interesting,” he said.
Referring to his film Laila Majnu, which was extensively shot in Kashmir, Imtiaz said the film was an important attempt to tell a story rooted entirely in the valley.
“Laila Majnu was an important film as it was completely based in Kashmir. Its characters were from Kashmir, and the entire film was shot here,” he said.
He recalled that the film was released at a time when cinema theatres were not functioning in Kashmir, and the makers had to request theatres to screen it. Despite the challenges, he said, the film received a strong response and continued to gain popularity.
“Yesterday was the eighth anniversary of the film. It has become more popular, all because of the blessings from Kashmir. I thank Kashmir for Laila Majnu,” Ali said.
The filmmaker expressed admiration for Kashmiri poet-saints Lal Ded and Habba Khatoon, saying he would like to make a film on their lives if he could develop the required understanding and courage.
“I am fascinated by Lal Ded and Habba Khatoon. If I get that knowledge and courage, I would like to make a film on them,” he said.
Ali said there was immense potential for filmmaking in Kashmir and described Laila Majnu as an attempt to initiate something enduring from the region.
Welcoming the organisation of the film festival, Imtiaz Ali said such events could encourage filmmakers from across the country and the world to come to Kashmir and discover the region through their own perspectives.
“I am sure people will come to Kashmir for such festivals and see Kashmir through their own thoughts,” he said.
Ali also praised the people of Kashmir, describing them as talented and sensitive.
Recalling his earlier experiences of shooting in the valley for films including Rockstar and Highway, the filmmaker said he had received considerable hospitality from local people.
“I had a great experience shooting in Kashmir when we shot Rockstar and Highway. People here were very hospitable,” he said.
