Srinagar, November 12: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday inaugurated the 4th edition of the International Film Festival of Srinagar (TIFFS), organised by the Vomedh Group, and called upon filmmakers to highlight the stories of terror victims and the transformation witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir since August 2019.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor exhorted filmmakers to produce films that “narrate the ordeal of terror victims, expose the ringleaders of the terror ecosystem, and showcase the new era of peace and progress in Jammu and Kashmir.”
He said the Union Territory has achieved a “fear-free environment” due to the “tireless and dedicated work” of the J&K Police, Army, intelligence, and security forces over the past five to six years. “We have established a safe, supportive, and inclusive system for youth to realise their dreams,” he said, urging society to come together to guard the peace and renewed hope achieved after decades of unrest.
The Lieutenant Governor urged people to assist the administration and security forces in neutralising the remnants of terror networks. “People must expose the enemies of peace by providing information to the police and security agencies, so that the entire terror ecosystem hiding behind the cover in society is dismantled and a befitting reply is given to the evil intentions of the neighbouring country,” he said.
Highlighting the growing support for cinema in Jammu and Kashmir, LG Sinha said the UT administration has taken several measures to ease film shooting and revive the region’s bond with the film industry. “Cinema is one of the most powerful tools for shaping social narratives, fostering cultural unity, and promoting the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,” he said, calling on filmmakers to balance entertainment with social responsibility.
The International Film Festival of Srinagar, now in its fourth edition, received over 100 film entries from 20 countries this year. A jury panel has shortlisted 20 short films, six feature films, and four documentaries for screening, with feature entries from India, Poland, Russia, and Sri Lanka, among others. Nations like the USA, France, Germany, Turkey, and Switzerland are also represented.
The three-day event aims to celebrate cinema that bridges cultures and promotes storytelling rooted in diversity and resilience. Organisers said the festival reflects Kashmir’s artistic resurgence and its growing status as a global platform for creative exchange.
Those present at the inaugural ceremony included Rohit Bhat and Rakesh Roshan Bhat, Festival Directors; Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; Rajiv Pandey, DIG CKR; Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar; members of Vomedh Group, Avanti Foundation, Landmark Crafts Limited, as well as artists, filmmakers, and cinema enthusiasts.
