Lights, Camera, Kashmir: First International Film Festival of J&K Commences in Srinagar
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurates the 4-day cinematic extravaganza; filmmakers, actors, and cinema luminaries assemble on the banks of Dal Lake.
SRINAGAR: The Union Territory rolled out the red carpet for world cinema on Monday as the inaugural International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) officially launched in Srinagar. The four-day cultural extravaganza brings together an illustrious gathering of filmmakers, actors, directors, and cinema technicians from across the globe.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah officially inaugurated the festival at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), situated along the picturesque banks of Dal Lake. The gala opening brought together celebrated figures from the entertainment industry, heralding a landmark revival of Jammu and Kashmir’s timeless romance with cinematic storytelling.
Two-Tier Opening: From INOX Shivpora to SKICC Gala
Celebrations commenced earlier in the day with an official morning inaugural at INOX Srinagar, where Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo alongside senior leadership from the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) formally set the festival in motion before audiences and delegates.
As evening approached, the spotlight shifted to the grand lawns and auditoriums of the SKICC. The venue was illuminated for the prime opening celebration, which showcased vibrant musical presentations and traditional cultural showcases, welcoming distinguished guests, creative artists, and cinephiles from diverse regions.
IFFJK 2026 At A Glance
- Dates & Theme: September 7–10 under the banner “Rang-e-Cinema”.
- Organisers: Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), J&K, in collaboration with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC).
- Screening Spread: Multi-venue showcases covering Srinagar, Jammu, and Gulmarg.
- Global Reach: 135 curated titles across 41 participating nations.
- Diverse Categories: Feature films, world cinema, documentaries, short films, and dedicated regional cinema sections.
A Global Roster of 135 Films Across 41 Nations
Organised by DIPR in partnership with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), the festival is being celebrated under the central motif “Rang-e-Cinema”. The maiden edition boasts a selection of 135 films representing 41 countries. Screenings and related creative programmes are scheduled to take place across Srinagar, Jammu, and the scenic highland bowl of Gulmarg.
Beyond regular theatrical screenings, the four-day schedule includes specialized masterclasses, curated panel discussions, and industry-focused networking sessions designed to give emerging Kashmiri creators direct access to established cinema personalities from India and abroad.
Star-Studded Presence
A host of prominent directors, writers, and actors are participating in the festival’s activities. Luminaries associated with the inaugural edition include renowned directors and film personalities such as Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Ramesh Sippy, Imtiaz Ali, and acclaimed actor Pankaj Tripathi.
The festival is also seeing participation from popular actors including Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sadia Khateeb, and Vedang Raina, among several other prominent figures from the film fraternity.
With the curtain now raised, the administration and organisers project the festival as an important catalyst to boost local production infrastructure, present the scenic landscape to production houses worldwide, and position the region once again as a premier destination on the international cinema map.
