Four-day Kashmir film festival sharpens spotlight on filmmakers’ destination, local storytellers
Besides the screening of 120 movies from around 30 countries, scores of locals, including students, film enthusiasts, artists and filmmakers, were provided a platform to meet and learn from the big names of Bollywood like Ramesh Sippy, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Imtiaz Ali etc.
The inaugural 1st International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) concluded on September 10, 2026, in Srinagar, casting a spotlight on Kashmir as a destination for filmmakers and a platform for local storytellers. The festival featured 120 movies from around 30 countries, providing an opportunity for locals, including students, enthusiasts, artists, and filmmakers, to interact with renowned Bollywood figures such as Ramesh Sippy, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, and Imtiaz Ali.
Masterclasses and interactive sessions on various aspects of cinema were conducted by filmmakers like Rahhat Shah Kazmi, Kapil Matoo, and Subbiah Nallamuthu. Jammu & Kashmir's Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, highlighted the festival's success, emphasizing its role not just as a filming location but as a place where stories can emerge.
He referred to earlier films like 'Aarzoo', 'Kashmir Ki Kali', and 'Kabhi Kabhi', screened against their picturesque backdrops. These films were showcased on a floating screen on Dal Lake. The festival also marked the return of the silver screen to Kashmir, with Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, L Murugan, stating that J&K is becoming an active creator, host, and partner in global storytelling.
The festival concluded with performances by Usha Uthup and Gulzar Ganai and the awarding of films, including 'Tasrufdar – The Jinns of Kashmir' winning Best Film in the J&K Category and Tanya Maniktala winning Best Female Actress for 'Arifa'.
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