Delegation Meets NC Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq Ali, Seeks Transparency and Institutional Support
Srinagar, October 5, 2026: The Kashmir Film & Television Association (KFTA) has sought greater involvement of local filmmakers, artists and technicians in government-sponsored film initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir.
A KFTA delegation led by Kashmir World Film Festival (KWFF) Founder and Director and KFTA Chairman Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan met Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq Ali here on Monday and apprised him of the concerns of the local film fraternity.
The delegation included KWFF Management Committee members Zameer Ashai, Mushtaq Bala, Hussein Khan and other members of the Valley’s film fraternity.
According to KFTA, the delegation expressed concern over what it described as the inadequate participation of indigenous filmmakers and film professionals in the recently held government-sponsored international film festival.
The association alleged that despite substantial expenditure from the public exchequer, local filmmakers, technicians and other professionals were not adequately consulted or involved in the planning and execution of the event.
KFTA said future international film festivals in J&K should be professionally managed and involve experienced filmmakers and local stakeholders at every stage.
KFTA Raises ‘First-Ever’ Festival Claim
The delegation also raised objections to the description of the recent government-sponsored event as the “first-ever” international film festival of J&K.
According to the memorandum submitted by KFTA, the Kashmir World Film Festival was conceived and organised in Srinagar in 2017, at a time when no cinema hall was operational in the Valley.
The association said the contribution of earlier indigenous film initiatives should be duly recognised in the cultural and cinematic history of Jammu and Kashmir.
KFTA further sought institutional support for established local platforms such as KWFF, maintaining that such initiatives have been sustained over the years through dedicated efforts and resources.
Three Major Demands
The delegation sought:
- Transparency in expenditure incurred on the recently organised government-sponsored film festival, including an appropriate audit or review.
- Institutional support and recognition for credible and established local film platforms.
- Professional management of future festivals, with local filmmakers, artists and technicians placed at the centre of planning and execution.
The delegation also highlighted Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan’s contribution to promoting film culture in J&K, including the organisation of five editions of KWFF in Srinagar and the J&K International Film Festival in Pune in 2022.
KFTA said its members remain committed to developing a sustainable film ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir and urged the government to provide appropriate institutional, professional and financial support to the indigenous film fraternity.
Tanvir Sadiq Assures Delegation
According to the KFTA statement, Tanvir Sadiq Ali gave the delegation a patient hearing and assured its members that their concerns and demands would be taken up at the appropriate forums, including the highest levels, for consideration and redressal.
He also assured the delegation of his support in seeking appropriate consideration of the concerns raised by the local film fraternity.
