Sriram Raghavan Urges Young Filmmakers to Mine Local Stories at J&K Festival

At the International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir, acclaimed director and screenwriter Sriram Raghavan conducted a masterclass on scriptwriting and direction, emphasizing the value of such sessions for aspiring filmmakers. He noted that learning from the experiences of established professionals is crucial for growth in the craft.

Raghavan, known for his own attendance at numerous masterclasses, said that hearing about the journeys and stories of industry veterans is always beneficial. He expressed hope that the festival would inspire students from various colleges to seek out and tell stories rooted in their own regions, particularly Kashmir.

"There are so many stories of Kashmir that I don't know, we don't know, we don't see," Raghavan remarked, pointing out that audiences often only see the region's scenic beauty in songs and films. He added that the festival should encourage young people to watch more films and interact with filmmakers.

The masterclass provided participating youth a chance to engage with professionals and gain insights into storytelling and the cinematic process. The festival, supported by the Jammu and Kashmir government and the Department of Information and Public Relations, concludes on September 10.