JAMMU, September 21, 2026 – The Jammu and Kashmir Cine Association (JKCA) has strongly urged the Union Territory administration to host the second edition of the prestigious International Film Festival in Jammu. During a comprehensive meeting convened on Sunday at Kalakendra Jammu, attended by executive body members and the general membership, the association expressed deep appreciation to the government for successfully organizing J&K’s first-ever International Film Festival in Kashmir. While enthusiastically welcoming the successful conduct of the inaugural event, the JKCA leadership emphasized the urgent need for greater recognition and robust promotion of Jammu’s rich cinematic, cultural, and artistic potential on a similar grand platform in the near future.
Speaking at the gathering, JKCA President Dharminder Kohli extended sincere gratitude to the Department of Information for accommodating the association’s request to simultaneously showcase regional cinema. He highlighted that through JKCA’s persistent efforts, the government successfully arranged for the screening of 12 Dogri regional films at Wave Mall in Jammu, effectively integrating the region into the broader festival framework. Kohli thanked the authorities for officially honoring the directors, producers, actors, and technicians associated with these local projects. He noted that such official support and encouragement not only uplift the morale of local filmmakers but also provide newfound respect and an invaluable platform to project the Dogri language, traditional culture, and Jammu’s distinct cinematic identity to a wider audience.
Broadening their vision for the local entertainment industry, the association urged the government to implement concrete promotional measures, specifically demanding the allocation of dedicated theatre spaces and adequate screening times for local filmmakers. The JKCA aggressively pressed for the introduction of a comprehensive financial subsidy scheme for regional film production and called for the film sector to be officially accorded ‘industry status’ with structured incentives to attract investment. Furthermore, the meeting witnessed the formal induction of Baljit Singh Raina, who was unanimously appointed as the new JKCA Chairman—a pivotal post that had remained vacant following the demise of former chairman Mushtaq Kak. To advance their developmental goals, the members also resolved to organize an upcoming investors’ meet and constitute a dedicated committee to broaden the association’s promotional activities, ensuring that locally produced songs and religious albums also receive adequate institutional backing.
Published by True Roots Media Network