13 hrs ago
Kashmir’s First International Film Festival Opens With Global Ambitions
The first International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir is opening in 2026.
It will show movies from many countries between September 7 and 10.
Organizers received about 1,100 movie entries and chose 135 of them.
The festival will include films, workshops, discussions and lessons from experienced filmmakers.
Some events will happen beside or on the lakes of Kashmir.
A special floating cinema will be set up on Dal Lake.
Big prizes will be given to filmmakers in several categories.
Officials hope the festival will bring more filmmaking, visitors and creative opportunities to Jammu and Kashmir.
The first International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir runs from September 7 to 10, 2026.
Organizers received about 1,100 submissions from 92 countries and selected 135 films from more than 40 nations.
The festival offers ₹96 lakh across nine award categories, including a ₹25 lakh Best Film prize.
Events will take place at SKICC, INOX Srinagar, Gulmarg and a floating cinema on Dal Lake.
Organizers aim to revive Jammu and Kashmir’s filmmaking heritage and establish the region as an international film destination.
- Who
- The Jammu and Kashmir Department of Information and Public Relations is organizing the festival, with filmmakers, jurors and more than 300 expected delegates participating.
- What
- The first International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir will screen 135 films and host workshops, masterclasses, panel discussions and cultural events.
- Where
- Events will be held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre and INOX Srinagar, with a program in Gulmarg and a floating cinema on Dal Lake.
- When
- September 7–10, 2026.
- Why
- Organizers want to revive Jammu and Kashmir’s connection with filmmaking, promote regional storytelling and establish the region as an international film destination.
Key facts
- Festival name
- 1st International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK)
- Theme
- Rang-e-Cinema
- Submissions
- About 1,100 films from 92 countries
- Selected films
- 135 films representing more than 40 nations
- Prize purse
- ₹96 lakh across nine award categories
- Best Film prize
- ₹25 lakh
- Expected delegates
- More than 300 delegates from around the world
Quotes
A festival official
An official associated with the International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir
“Beyond screenings, IFFJK is designed as a holistic cultural experience. Major events will take place at lakeside Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) and INOX Srinagar, with a dedicated one-day programme in Gulmarg, where the Gulmarg Development Authority has curated an itinerary showcasing the region’s scenic beauty, adventure offerings and cultural richness.”
deccanchronicle.com
“With a prize purse of ₹96 lakh across nine award categories, IFFJK promises to be one of India’s most ambitious new film festivals.”
deccanchronicle.com
Shahnawaz Bukhari
Joint Director of the J&K Department of Information and Public Relations
“Our attempt is to bring Kashmir back into the frame. We would like J&K to become the film frame, rather than merely being a backdrop for films.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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