Jammu and Kashmir is preparing to host its inaugural International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) from September 7 to 10. The event aims to revitalize filmmaking in the region and showcase local creative talent on a global stage.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that ahead of the festival, the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) organized a ‘Frame by Frame: The Storytellers’ Meet’ in Srinagar. The event convened filmmakers, actors, producers, artists, writers, and other professionals from the film and media industry.
Festival Aims to Revive Regional Cinema
Commissioner Secretary, Information, R Alice Vaz, addressing the gathering as the chief guest, stated that the festival signifies a new era for Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural and creative landscape. She emphasized the region’s historical connection with cinema and positioned the IFFJK as a crucial step in building upon this legacy and fostering new opportunities for the film fraternity.
Vaz assured that suggestions and concerns raised by film industry members during the interaction would be considered for future policies and initiatives aimed at developing the film sector in Jammu and Kashmir. She further elaborated that the festival is envisioned not only as a platform for film screenings but also as a venue for dialogue, collaboration, and cultural exchange, encouraging broad participation from filmmakers, producers, directors, and actors.
Global Entries and Local Talent Development
Director Information Shreya Singhal announced that IFFJK-2026 will be held concurrently in Srinagar, Jammu, and Gulmarg, drawing film professionals from both India and international locations. The festival program will include feature films, short films, and documentaries from international, national, and regional cinema. Additionally, it will host masterclasses and technical sessions covering filmmaking, sound and editing, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, and animation.
Singhal reported that the festival has already received entries from over 80 countries, indicating a growing international interest in Jammu and Kashmir as a cultural and cinematic destination. A primary objective of IFFJK is to provide a platform for young filmmakers and artists from Jammu and Kashmir to engage with established industry professionals, refine their skills, and build valuable professional networks.
Promoting J&K as a Filming and Tourism Hub
The festival is also being promoted as a strategic initiative to showcase Jammu and Kashmir as an attractive filming and tourism destination. Vaz highlighted the potential of the event to present the region’s diverse landscapes, rich culture, and creative potential to audiences across India and globally. The DIPR has launched a comprehensive publicity and social media campaign for the festival, supported by a dedicated website and application for registrations, film submissions, and festival updates.
The gala opening ceremony is scheduled for September 7, with the closing ceremony on September 10, both expected to feature prominent members of the film fraternity. During the recent interaction, members of the local film and creative community welcomed the initiative, underscoring the importance of increased visibility and opportunities for local artists through such events.
Notable attendees at the event included Padma Shri awardee artist Mohan Singh Slathia, actor Ajay Pal Andotra, director-producer Tariq Khan, line producer Atul Duggal, artist Kusum Tickoo, and Rajesh Khajuria of the Cine Association of J&K, alongside senior officials from the Information, Tourism, and Floriculture departments.
In a parallel effort to nurture emerging talent, the DIPR has also introduced the IFFJK Emerging Filmmakers Competition 2026, specifically for aspiring filmmakers residing in Jammu and Kashmir. Registration for this competition commenced on August 6, with the deadline for the submission of original short films set for August 26. The IFFJK-2026 ultimately seeks to foster artistic excellence, cinematic innovation, and cultural exchange, offering Jammu and Kashmir’s emerging filmmakers a vital connection point with the broader film industry.
The Chenab Times News Desk