Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 26: The inaugural session of Jammu International Film Festival began here, today. The festival was inaugurated by Mayor Jammu Municipal Corporation, (JMC) Chander Mohan Sharma, along with Bollywood stars Kashmere Shah,Ayub Khan, Ayaz Khan, Lalit Parimoo, Kapil Matoo and former JMC Commissioner and advisor of Film Festival, Kiran Wattal.
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The programme started with first ever Red Carpet welcome to local TV stars and guest Bollywood stars who were also treated to a cultural dance by artists of ICCR and Police band.
The formal programme organised by Vomedh Rangmanch’s Rakesh Roshan Bhat and Rahul Bhat started with National Anthem followed by welcoming of stars.
A penal discussion was held on cinema dreams and it was moderated by Rakesh Roshan Bhat.
Later short films selected for the festival were screened which included three from International producers, five from local producers and three from other States of the country including The Burning, The Little Riddle, Barking Dog, Aakhir Kab Tak, Hear Me etc. Thirty seven short films and documentaries from 11 countries besides 10 projects from native filmmakers will be screened at the two-day-long festival.
“It was dream come true for the people of Jammu that first ever film festival is being organised here. My wish was fulfilled,” Mayor of Jammu Chander Mohan Gupta told reporters here. Festival directors Rakesh Roshan Bhat and his brother Rohit Bhat said many Bollywood actors, directors of other film festivals and participants from all over the country have arrived here to be part of the festival.
Festival directors of Pune International Film Festival, Amol Bhagat, , producers like Pralhad Taware and Kashmir World Film Festival, Mushtaq Ali, are also attending the movie extravaganza. Famous actors from the State Mushtaq Kak and Lalit Parimoo expressed their happiness over the response to the very first edition of the festival.
“We were pleasantly surprised to receive over 150 projects (short films and documentaries) across 15 countries in the very first edition. Our competent and eminent jury panel has very carefully picked up the best of the projects to be screened,” Kak said.
Among the key highlights of the festival will be an acting workshop on ‘Abhinay Yog’ which will be conducted by Parimoo. Rohit Bhat said the festival represents the aspirations of the art and cinema loving people of Jammu.
“Bollywood has explored the scenic locations as well as the themes around Jammu and Kashmir for a long time. “Jammu and Kashmir, also in turn has contributed a great deal to Indian cinema in terms of artists and technicians. However, the focus of this festival is to improve the connect more specifically between Jammu region and film industry,” he added.
Kiran Wattal while talking to media said his organisation has been giving reviewed emphasis to cultural reorganisation in the society and with the declaration of J&K as UT, Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has envisaged a cultural renaissance in the field of art and cinema.
ASKPC president, Adv. Ravinder Raina and president Youth LJP, Sanjay Saraf and social activist Aryan Ramesh were also present.
A well known artist Kusum Tickoo and Bindiya Tickoo were the anchors.
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