Srinagar, Sept. 11 -- Acclaimed documentary filmmaker and jury member Keiko Bang on Kashmir's film potential, Asia's rising media influence, and why storytellers must keep creating through times of conflict. It's too early to evaluate the full lineup, but the location is spectacular-unlike anything I have seen in India-and the hospitality is incredibly warm. It has been a fantastic experience. Every festival brings a distinct collection. It will be fascinating to see what the selection committee has curated for us-that choice speaks volumes about the identity and vision they want to build for this festival. It signals that art, culture, and storytelling endure, regardless of circumstances. Peaceful or turbulent, stories must continue to be told. Beyond the screenings, producers are connecting directly with local voices. We all have stories to tell, and we are all storytellers. Absolutely. Festival attendees return home and share their experiences with industry peers. Moving forward, it would be wonderful to see a dedicated theme-perhaps focused on mountains or alpine landscapes-that highlights what makes Kashmir unique. The landscape is breathtaking and carries a strong cinematic heritage. Beyond domestic projects, there is clear potential here for international co-productions. The industry deeply respects the skill of Indian filmmakers. Looking at Asia as a whole-with Japanese anime, Korean dramas, and Bollywood-the global content production centre is shifting from West to East. It is an exciting era, and India stands as a major production powerhouse. I expect great things ahead....