Srinagar, Sept. 11 -- At the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK), Chief Minister Omar Abdullah invited filmmakers to return to J&K, not only to shoot films but also to explore local stories, talent and opportunities in the region's growing film culture.

Omar said J&K must move beyond being seen merely as a beautiful filming location. He said the region should become a place where stories are created, talent is discovered and films are conceived and produced.

He was speaking at the conclusion of the four-day IFFJK, which brought together filmmakers, actors, artists and cinema enthusiasts from different parts of India and abroad. Around 120 films from more than 30 countries were screened during...