Chief Minister participates in “Awaaz Suno Pahadon Ki” Film Festival 2026
my uttarakhand news Bureau
DEHRADUN, 25 Jan: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today participated in the “Awaaz Suno Pahadon Ki – Film Festival 2026.” On this occasion, the Chief Minister announced the beautification of the auditorium of the Himalayan Cultural Centre.
During the programme, the Chief Minister released the ‘Shraddha Samman’ booklet and launched “Awaaz Suno Pahadon Ki – Season 2.”
Addressing the gathering, Dhami said that this programme, organized by Sharada Swar Sangam Film Production House, is not merely a film festival, but a strong initiative towards establishing Uttarakhand as a global centre for film production.
The Chief Minister said that such events provide wide publicity to the state’s rich culture, cuisine, and natural beauty, while also offering local talent an opportunity to showcase their folk culture and traditions and to engage with the modern creative environment. He congratulated and extended best wishes to the entire team of Sharada Swar Sangam Film Production House for organizing the grand event.
Expressing confidence, the Chief Minister said that this initiative will prove to be a milestone in connecting the younger generation with their roots while giving Uttarakhand’s folk culture a modern identity. He said that cinema is not only a means of entertainment, but also a powerful medium of social awareness. Cinema has effectively highlighted social realities in every era, whether related to untouchability, dowry system, corruption, injustice, migration of talent, or other social evils.
Dhami said that Uttarakhand is blessed with priceless natural heritage bestowed by God. The state’s mountains, rivers, waterfalls, climate, and culture attract filmmakers. Locations such as Nainital, Mussoorie, Auli, Chakrata, Munsiyari, Kausani, and Chopta are even better than many renowned tourist destinations in India and abroad. In addition, sacred sites like Char Dham, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Kainchi Dham, Hemkund Sahib, and Reetha Sahib hold special appeal for filmmakers.
The Chief Minister said that the State Government is continuously working to realize the resolve expressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the land of Kedarnath that “the third decade of the 21st century will be Uttarakhand’s decade.” The government’s objective is to develop Uttarakhand as a distinct film hub, generating employment for youth and giving global recognition to the state’s culture.
He informed that the State Government has implemented a new Film Policy to promote film shooting in Uttarakhand. Under this policy, Hindi and other regional language films shot in Uttarakhand are eligible for subsidies up to ₹3 crore. Subsidies for Kumaoni, Garhwali, and Jaunsari films have been increased to ₹2 crore. Web series and foreign films have also been included under the subsidy framework.
The Chief Minister said that film shooting permissions are now available online. Under the single-window system, shooting permission is granted within seven days, and no shooting fee is charged in the state. It has been made mandatory to screen regional films at least once a week in local cinemas. During shooting, a minimum of five police personnel are provided for security, along with special concessions at GMVN and KMVN guest houses.
He said that Uttarakhand has its own OTT platform, “Videos Alarm,” through which the essence of Garhwali, Kumaoni, and Jaunsari culture is reaching audiences in more than 18 countries. The government is also working on a 3Ts ecosystem—Talent, Technology, and Training—to create greater employment opportunities for youth.
The Chief Minister said that film shooting not only benefits the cinema industry but also generates employment for local hotel operators, taxi drivers, guides, line producers, and local artists. Inviting filmmakers to shoot films and web series in Uttarakhand, he assured them of full cooperation, security, and facilities from the government.
He said that in the future, the state will develop film cities, film institutes, shooting studios, post-production houses, and cinema halls. Expressing confidence, he said that this film festival will open new avenues of opportunity for youth and strengthen the resolve of making Uttarakhand the best state in the country.
The Chief Minister said that such events not only enrich the state’s culture but also elevate mountain identity and collective pride to new heights.
On this occasion, MLA Umesh Sharma ‘Kau’, renowned actress Himani Shivpuri, Secretary (Culture) Yugal Kishore Pant, programme organizer Narendra Rauthan, officials of the Culture Department, and a large number of local citizens were present.
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