Visit offers J&K journalists firsthand exposure to creativity and innovation in Indian cinema
Neha Jalali: Film City visit deepened understanding of media, culture, and visual storytelling
Jammu, Oct 8: On the third day of the ongoing PIB Jammu and Kashmir Media Tour to Mumbai, a delegation of journalists from the Union Territory visited the iconic Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagri (Film City) in Goregaon, one of India’s largest and most prestigious film production hubs. The visit was organized to provide the journalists with first-hand exposure to the creative, technical, and operational dimensions of India’s film industry and to highlight how cinema continues to play a transformative role in shaping the nation’s cultural and media landscape.
Spread across a vast 520-acre campus, Film City has long stood as a symbol of India’s cinematic legacy and innovation. The J&K media delegation explored several active shooting locations, witnessing the production process of various national and regional films and television serials. They interacted with actors, directors, cinematographers, and technicians, gaining a deeper understanding of how creativity, technology, and teamwork converge to bring stories to life on screen.
The journalists also toured Whistling Woods International Institute, located within the Film City complex, where they were introduced to advanced filmmaking technologies, including Virtual Production (VP) and Visual Effects (VFX). The institute’s senior faculty and technical experts explained how new digital tools are revolutionizing film production—reducing dependency on physical locations, enhancing visual quality, and making the filmmaking process more efficient and sustainable.
Neha Jalali, Director, PIB Jammu, who led the delegation, emphasized the significance of the visit in bridging creative understanding between traditional journalism and visual storytelling. “The visit to Film City has been an enriching experience for our media colleagues from Jammu and Kashmir. It not only exposed them to the technical sophistication of India’s film industry but also offered valuable insights into how cinema and digital media intersect to influence public perception, culture, and communication,” she said.
She further added that such exposure visits strengthen the professional outlook of journalists by broadening their awareness of emerging media technologies and narrative techniques. “Understanding how stories are crafted, visualized, and delivered in modern media ecosystems helps journalists expand their creative scope and connect more meaningfully with diverse audiences,” she noted.
The delegation also expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that it provided a rare opportunity to witness the behind-the-scenes workings of one of the world’s most prolific film industries. The visit underscored the evolving synergy between journalism, entertainment, and technology, showcasing how innovation continues to reshape India’s creative economy.
Sriyanka Chatterjee, Media and Communication Officer, PIB Mumbai, accompanied the delegation throughout the visit, facilitating interactions and coordinating briefings with Film City authorities and the Whistling Woods team.
Overall, the tour offered a unique blend of learning, cultural exchange, and professional engagement, allowing J&K journalists to experience first-hand how India’s film capital continues to blend artistic excellence with technological advancement to create compelling narratives for global audiences.
