Jammu, Sept. 12 -- For decades, the cinematic identity of Jammu and Kashmir existed almost exclusively on the other side of the lens. The snow-swept meadows of Gulmarg, the willow-fringed waters of Dal Lake and the undulating foothills of the Tawi basin served as picturesque backdrops for classic Indian romances, musical interludes and high-stakes drama. Yet, the indigenous creative voice remained largely peripheral-a location entry on a production call sheet rather than an active seat at the global cinematic table.
The recently concluded inaugural edition of the International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK), organised by the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) in collaboration with national film bodies, sought...