Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Omar Abdullah Urges J-K to Become Creative Film Hub
Jammu and Kashmir is famous for its mountains and lakes, which have appeared in many movies.
Omar Abdullah said the region should not only provide beautiful scenery for films.
He wants people there to make their own movies and tell their own stories.
The first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir brought 120 films from more than 30 countries.
Filmmakers and artists also took part in lessons, discussions, and creative meetings.
Classic movies were shown outdoors on Dal Lake.
Abdullah encouraged experienced filmmakers to return to teach and work with local talent.
He said the festival should help create careers, jobs, skills, and new opportunities for young people.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said Jammu and Kashmir should move beyond being a scenic filming backdrop and become a creative hub producing its own stories.
He made the remarks at the concluding ceremony of the first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir in Srinagar.
The four-day festival featured 120 films from more than 30 countries, along with masterclasses, panels, and collaborative sessions.
Open-air screenings on Dal Lake included the classics Junglee, Aarzoo, Kashmir Ki Kali, and Kabhi Kabhie.
Abdullah said the festival’s success should be measured by local careers, skills, employment, collaborations, and stories reaching audiences worldwide.
- Who
- Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah addressed international delegates, filmmakers, artists, and young local talent; Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan also attended.
- What
- Abdullah called for Jammu and Kashmir to develop from a filming location into a creative hub that produces its own stories and films.
- When
- At the festival’s concluding ceremony; the reports date the event differently, as September 10 and September 11.
- Where
- The ceremony was held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre in Srinagar, beside Dal Lake.
- Why
- Abdullah said cinema could develop local talent, careers, skills, employment, collaborations, businesses, and economic opportunities.
- Event
- First International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir
- Duration
- Four days
- Films featured
- 120 films
- International participation
- More than 30 countries
- Main venue
- Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre, Srinagar
- Special screenings
- Junglee, Aarzoo, Kashmir Ki Kali, and Kabhi Kabhie were screened outdoors on Dal Lake
- Long-term measure of success
- Careers, opportunities, collaborations, skills, employment, and Jammu and Kashmir stories reaching wider audiences