Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Kashmir to Host First International Film Festival in September
Kashmir is going to hold its first international film festival.
It will take place in Srinagar from September 7 to 10.
Films from many countries will be shown there.
Organisers chose 135 films from about 1,100 submissions.
India has the most selected films, with 64 entries.
A group of five cinema experts will judge the films.
The festival will also include awards and cash prizes.
Organisers hope it will help local filmmakers and attract more international film activity to Kashmir.
Security agencies are preparing to keep the event safe and orderly.
The inaugural Kashmir International Film Festival will run from September 7 to 10 at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre in Srinagar.
Organisers selected 135 films from 41 countries after receiving about 1,100 submissions.
India has the largest representation with 64 films, followed by France with 13 and Iran with eight.
A five-member international jury will evaluate films across International, Panoramic and Jammu and Kashmir categories.
Authorities have increased security and preparedness measures across Srinagar for the four-day event.
- Who
- The Jammu and Kashmir Government, the Department of Information, international filmmakers, delegates and a five-member jury are involved.
- What
- Kashmir will host its first international film festival, featuring 135 films from 41 countries.
- When
- The festival is scheduled for September 7 to 10.
- Where
- The main venue is the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre in Srinagar, with a planned one-day visit to Gulmarg.
- Why
- Organisers aim to reconnect India’s film industry with Kashmir, promote local filmmakers and establish stronger links with global cinema.
- Festival
- Kashmir International Film Festival
- Dates
- September 7–10
- Main venue
- Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre, Srinagar
- Selected films
- 135 films from 41 countries
- Submissions
- About 1,100 submissions; one account said they came from more than 80 countries, while another said 92 countries
- Country representation
- India: 64 films; France: 13; Iran: 8
- Jury
- Five members, including Santosh Sivan and Resul Pookutty
- Award categories
- International, Panoramic and Jammu and Kashmir