Umaisar Gull Ganie
Kulgam, Jun 10: Kashmir is known for its beautiful and pristine landscape. While most people visit Srinagar, Gulmarg and Sonmarg for holidaying or for that matter shooting films, in a new twist of developments related to the return of Bollywood, many rural areas of Kashmir have attracted the film makers.
An official privy to the development related to the shooting of short film “Ababil” produced by Waseem Ashraf, the founder of Zingara Bash Films, said that the shooting for the film has started at Ariward, Lammar remote area of in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district.
He said the shooting of film will be held in other rural places of South Kashmir districts also where all arrangements have been already put in places, adding that the film’s story is written and directed by Karamat Gorsi.
Pertinently, film crews are returning to Kashmir after a long time and their returning back to J&K is expected to boost J&K’s economy besides giving a new dimension to film tourism. In 2022, more than 300 films and serials were shot in J&K
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, said that the Union Territory administration has implemented a film policy that grants permissions for filming at various destinations.
“In order to facilitate a seamless experience for both tourists and filmmakers, we are organizing special arrangements in these areas, including home stays. Also, we have conducted extensive social media campaigns to promote these destinations”, he said.
He said the objective is to support the local communities in these areas by creating income opportunities through tourism, this includes enabling some individuals to work as tourist guides, photographers, and in other supporting roles, so they can sustain their livelihoods effectively. Interestingly, in 2022, at least 300 films/ serials were shot in Kashmir. J&K government has identified 300 new locations for promoting film tourism in the Valley. One of the top areas of focus in the recent G-20 meeting was revival of film tourism in Kashmir. (KNO)
