Jammu and Kashmir has emerged as a thriving hub for filmmaking, with more than 350 films and web series shot in its scenic landscapes over the past five years, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced on Sunday.

Speaking after inaugurating ‘Tawi Filmotsva,’ a short film festival aimed at promoting local talent in Jammu, Sinha credited the region’s restored peace and a progressive film policy introduced in 2021 for this cinematic resurgence.

“Peace is the foundation of development,” Sinha told reporters, noting that the surge in film productions reflects the region’s stability and growing appeal. “In the last five years, especially post the 2021 film policy, J&K has become a prime destination for Hindi, regional, and foreign shoots.” He expressed pride in the Union Territory reclaiming its historical stature in the film industry, a trend bolstered by efforts to foster peace and progress.

The LG highlighted the new film policy’s role in aligning with modern demands, making J&K attractive to filmmakers worldwide. “Cinema is a potent tool for education and social change,” he said, urging local talent to balance entertainment with social responsibility.

Sinha emphasized that technological advancements have empowered budding filmmakers, actors, and professionals to showcase J&K’s rich cultural heritage globally.

Inaugurating the festival, he called it a pioneering effort to nurture local creativity. “This is the first event of its kind dedicated to promoting our films and talent,” he remarked, encouraging filmmakers to address social evils like drug addiction and uplift the disadvantaged through their work. “Creativity can transform lives and eliminate societal issues,” Sinha added, underscoring cinema’s unmatched influence in driving positive change.