Srinagar, Sep 15: This winter could spring a cinematic surprise for Kashmir, with Hollywood potentially returning first and Bollywood following in its footsteps.
Rising Kashmir learned from reliable sources that the recently concluded maiden International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) has done more than bring filmmakers, actors and musicians from across the world to Srinagar.
“It has reopened a conversation that Kashmir had almost lost—the possibility of once again becoming a preferred destination for international and Indian film productions,” an official privy to the possible Hollywood shoot likely to be scheduled this winter, revealed. ” The discussion has begun, and the line of action is being framed.”
Pertinently, Spanish filmmaker and producer Anna Saura Ramon, who attended IFFJK, was among those impressed by Kashmir’s cinematic possibilities. She described the Valley as highly suitable for filmmaking, praising its mountains, landscapes and natural beauty, while expressing interest in future collaborations and shoots in Kashmir.
Her remarks have added to growing expectations that international filmmakers could look towards the Valley, particularly during winter when Kashmir offers a dramatically different visual canvas of snow-covered mountains, frozen landscapes and distinctive light.
Kashmir has hosted international cinema before.
The official J&K film policy records Bill Murray-starrer ‘The Razor’s Edge’ being shot in Kashmir in 1983, followed by the UK film ‘The Climb’ in 1986. After decades of limited international production activity, the prospect of seeing foreign cameras return carries a significance beyond tourism.
Veteran filmmaker Ramesh Sippy, speaking to Rising Kashmir on the sidelines of IFFJK, said the time was right for filmmakers to rediscover the Valley.
“Shootings will now happen, films will be made. It can be Hollywood first and Bollywood next or vice-versa, but surely film will be there,” Sippy said, expressing confidence that Kashmir’s changing atmosphere and enduring beauty could bring the industry back.
For Bollywood, the return of international filmmakers could become an important signal. If Hollywood and other overseas productions begin considering Kashmir again, Indian filmmakers may be encouraged to follow, bringing back the Valley’s association with mainstream cinema.
Singer Sunidhi Chauhan also spoke warmly about Kashmir’s cinematic appeal during the festival, saying the Valley has always attracted people because of its beauty and that almost every frame captured here looks beautiful. The renewed focus generated by IFFJK, she suggested, could give that relationship a fresh push.
Actress Sadia Khateeb said she being herself a Kashmiri, believes that the place is full of talent. “Now that one thing is clear, shootings will take place in the Valley; local talent won’t go to waste. Hollywood or Bollywood, locals will get a chance to showcase their talent for sure,” she said.
