Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Sriram Raghavan urges filmmakers to discover Kashmir’s untold stories
Sriram Raghavan is a filmmaker who wants to learn more about everyday life in Kashmir.
He said films should show more than the region’s mountains and beautiful views.
He is interested in stories about love, families and local people.
These ideas were discussed at the first International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir.
The festival is showing more than 130 films from many countries.
Raghavan believes the event can encourage more filmmakers to visit Kashmir.
He is also thinking about making a film there, although he has no firm plans yet.
He said it would be especially good if people from Kashmir made films about their own lives.
Filmmaker Sriram Raghavan said Kashmir needs more locally told love stories, family dramas and other diverse narratives.
The first International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir is being held from 7 to 10 September in Srinagar, Gulmarg and Jammu.
The festival is screening more than 130 films from over 30 countries, including Raghavan’s war drama Ikkis.
Raghavan said the festival could increase confidence among filmmakers despite continuing security concerns in Kashmir.
He said he is considering a Kashmir-based film, while emphasizing that local filmmakers should tell their own stories.
- Who
- Filmmaker Sriram Raghavan, festival participants and filmmakers in Jammu and Kashmir.
- What
- The first International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir is showcasing films and promoting local storytelling, while Raghavan is discussing the possibility of filming in Kashmir.
- When
- The festival is being held from 7 to 10 September; Raghavan’s film Ikkis is scheduled to screen on 9 September.
- Where
- Festival venues are in Srinagar, Gulmarg and Jammu.
- Why
- Organizers and participating filmmakers want to provide exposure, encourage cinema in the region and inspire stories rooted in its people and culture.
Filming Opportunities
Security Concerns
Whether security will deter filmmakers
Filming Opportunities
Sriram Raghavan said security concerns should not stop filmmakers and predicted that the festival could build confidence and attract more productions.
Security Concerns
The article notes continuing security concerns, including the Pahalgam massacre in April 2025, as a challenge for filming in Kashmir.
Who should tell Kashmir’s stories
Filming Opportunities
Raghavan said the strongest outcome would be for people from Jammu and Kashmir to tell their own stories about love, families and local culture.
Security Concerns
The article also describes growing interest from filmmakers based in Bombay, who may be encouraged to shoot in Kashmir as more productions arrive.
- Festival
- First International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir
- Dates
- 7 to 10 September
- Venues
- Srinagar, Gulmarg and Jammu
- Film screenings
- More than 130 films from over 30 countries
- Raghavan’s film
- Ikkis, a war drama set in 1971, scheduled for 9 September
- Raghavan’s role
- He is conducting a masterclass on direction and screenplay writing
- Filming permissions
- 102 permissions were granted in 2023, while 406 were reportedly granted over the following two years