Srinagar| Sept, 09: Indian filmmaker, writer and director Shadab Siddiqui has urged Kashmiri artists and young filmmakers to look beyond the region and take their stories to audiences across India and the world.
Speaking at SKICC on the side-lines of International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK), Siddiqui said Kashmiri filmmakers should not restrict their stories to the Valley, stressing that numerous film festivals and screening platforms around the world are open to their creative work.
“Don’t think that you have to keep your stories limited to Kashmir. Festivals are open for you across the world and screenings are open for you everywhere. Do not be afraid. We are waiting for you in Bombay,” Siddiqui said.
Siddiqui was attending the festival with his film ‘Ek Safa’, a poetic short film featuring the verses of renowned Urdu poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz. The film was showcased at the IFFJK and received an encouraging response from audiences.
He said viewers particularly appreciated the poetry featured in the film, including Faiz’s celebrated verses from ‘Gulon Mein Rang Bhare’, sung in the film by singer Kalandar.
Siddiqui said the festival could provide a significant boost to Jammu and Kashmir’s artistic community, particularly young people aspiring to pursue careers in cinema and the creative industries.
“I feel youth is such a force that can change both the direction and destiny of any country,” he said, appealing to young filmmakers and artists to develop their skills and confidently take their stories to wider platforms.
He said Kashmir has a rich cultural identity that can offer compelling stories to audiences beyond the region. According to Siddiqui, festivals like IFFJK can help connect local artists with filmmakers, audiences and creative communities from different parts of the world.
Siddiqui also praised Kashmir’s people, culture, traditional attire, cuisine and natural beauty, describing his experience in the Valley as “wonderful”.
The filmmaker is the founder of Katha Ghar – Kaano Wala Cinema, an audio-first storytelling platform that presents stories through immersive sound rather than conventional screen-based entertainment.
The platform aims to bring oral literature, poetry and original audio stories to listeners through soundscapes and professional voice performances.
Siddiqui’s journey in filmmaking has included several challenges. He started his working life in different roles, including as a carpenter and assistant, before moving towards independent filmmaking and music videos. He has since directed short films and music projects dealing with social and emotional themes.
Speaking about the cultural significance of the festival, Siddiqui said Kashmir has a longstanding association with Sufi and spiritual traditions and expressed hope that such cultural values would gain renewed visibility through cinema and artistic initiatives.
“This is the land of Sufis and dervishes. I feel that this culture had disappeared from here, but through this festival, that culture will return,” he said.
He said the IFFJK could serve as a bridge between Kashmir’s creative community and the wider film industry, giving local filmmakers an opportunity to showcase their work and interact with artists from outside the region.
Siddiqui also called upon parents, institutions and young people to recognise and nurture artistic talent, saying creativity could become a meaningful career when supported with dedication and proper opportunities.
His participation in the festival comes as IFFJK seeks to provide a platform for filmmakers and artists from Jammu and Kashmir while exposing local audiences to cinema from across India and the world.
Siddiqui concluded his message by calling for peace, brotherhood and cultural harmony, saying these values remain central to the identity of India and Kashmir.
