11 hrs ago
Kashmir’s First Film Festival Reopens Valley’s Cinema Doors
A new film festival has started in Jammu and Kashmir.
It is called Rang-e-Cinema, which means “Colours of Cinema.”
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah opened the festival in Srinagar.
The opening movie was a Lebanese film called “Dead Dog.”
In total, 135 films from India and other countries will be shown.
The films will be screened in Srinagar, Gulmarg and Jammu.
Movie theatres in Kashmir had closed after militancy began in the early 1990s.
The festival is meant to help bring cinema and filmmakers back to the region.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated the four-day Rang-e-Cinema film festival in Srinagar.
The festival opened with the Lebanese film “Dead Dog” at INOX, the Valley’s only functional cinema.
A total of 135 films were shortlisted from more than 1,100 submissions, including 60 international films from 41 countries.
Films are being screened in Srinagar, Gulmarg and Jammu at four venues, including INOX and Wave Cinema.
The government announced nine award categories with total prize money of Rs 96 lakh.
- Who
- Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated the festival, attended by filmmakers and an international jury.
- What
- Rang-e-Cinema, the first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir, began with 135 shortlisted films.
- Where
- Screenings are taking place at venues in Srinagar, Gulmarg and Jammu.
- When
- The four-day festival runs from September 7 to September 10.
- Why
- The festival aims to revive cinema in Kashmir and strengthen the region’s links with India’s and the international film industries.
Key facts
- Festival
- Rang-e-Cinema, the first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir
- Opening film
- “Dead Dog,” a 2025 Lebanese drama directed by Sarah Francis
- Film selection
- 135 films shortlisted from more than 1,100 submissions
- International participation
- 60 films produced outside India in 41 countries
- Screening venues
- SKICC in Srinagar, Gulmarg health resort, INOX Srinagar and Wave Cinema in Jammu
- Total prize money
- Rs 96 lakh across nine categories
- Best Film award
- Rs 25 lakh
Quotes
Omar Abdullah
Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir who inaugurated the festival
“The four-day festival marks a new chapter in the longstanding relationship between Jammu and Kashmir and the silver screen. Jammu and Kashmir has always held a special place in the world of cinema, not only because of its spectacular natural beauty but also because its landscapes can become an integral part of a story.”
indianexpress.com
“Kashmir’s appeal goes beyond its mountains and scenic landscapes, with its culture, traditions, people, warmth, hospitality and artistic heritage forming an equally important part of its identity.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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