Srinagar, Aug 27: Jammu and Kashmir is all set to screen 135 films from 41 countries in its inaugural edition of the International Film Festival, bringing the world of cinema to the Union Territory from 7 to 10 September 2026.
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Thursday reviewed the final arrangements for the inaugural International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK 2026), directing all concerned departments and agencies to work in close coordination to ensure a seamless and memorable experience for filmmakers, artists, delegates, and audiences.
The meeting reviewed the key features, participation, programming, venue arrangements, cultural presentations, publicity strategy, and departmental responsibilities for the four-day festival, which is being positioned as a major international cultural and creative platform for Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by the Principal Secretary, Home; Principal Secretary, Culture; Commissioner Secretary, General Administration Department; Divisional Commissioners, Jammu and Kashmir; IGP (POS); Commissioner Secretary, Floriculture; Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar; Director, Information; Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation; Director, Hospitality & Protocol; Director, Handicrafts & Handloom, Kashmir; Director, School Education, Kashmir; Director, Estates; Joint Director, Information Jammu and Kashmir; GM, NFDC; and other senior officers of DIPR.
The Chief Secretary took detailed note of the arrangements being put in place for the successful conduct of the festival and directed the Divisional and District Administrations to remain fully geared up to ensure seamless, professional, and glitch-free conduct of the marquee event. He stressed the importance of close inter-departmental coordination and directed all concerned agencies to discharge their assigned responsibilities efficiently and in unison.
Emphasising the significance of the inaugural edition, Atal Dulloo called upon the NFDC to make special efforts to bring a larger number of acclaimed filmmakers, actors, and other prominent personalities from the film fraternity to Jammu and Kashmir.
In addition, the detailed roles and responsibilities of the concerned departments and agencies were also discussed during the meeting. The Chief Secretary emphasised that the success of such a major international event would depend on seamless coordination, timely execution, and a shared sense of ownership among all stakeholders.
The Chief Secretary directed all concerned departments to work in close coordination and ensure that every aspect of the festival—from hospitality and protocol to venue management, security, civic amenities, transportation, cultural programming, and public outreach—is handled with professionalism and efficiency. He underscored that the festival is envisaged as an annual international event from this year onwards, and therefore its inaugural edition should establish high standards of organisation, programming, and audience engagement.
Giving a detailed presentation on the festival, Director Information & Public Relations, Shreya Singhal, highlighted the extensive international participation secured for IFFJK 2026. She highlighted that the inaugural edition will showcase an expansive lineup of 135 films representing 41 countries, bringing together diverse cinematic traditions, storytelling formats, and creative voices from across the world.
She added that India leads the country-wise participation with 64 films, followed by France with 13 and Iran with 8. Argentina and Spain will contribute four films each, while Brazil, Germany, the Russian Federation, and the United States will have three films each. A further group of countries, including South Korea, Sweden, Taiwan, Qatar, Colombia, and Türkiye, among others, will each contribute curated films, giving the festival a distinctly global character.
A major attraction of the inaugural festival will be its proposed Rs 96 lakh total prize purse, distributed across nine award categories to recognise excellence in filmmaking and cinematic craft. The Best Film award carries the top prize of Rs 25 lakh, while Best Director and Best Debut Film of a Director will carry Rs 15 lakh each. Reflecting the festival’s special focus on the region, the Best Film – J&K Select category carries a prize of Rs 10 lakh. The performance categories of Best Actor (Male) and Best Actor (Female) carry Rs 8 lakh each, while the technical categories of Best Cinematography, Best Sound Design, and Best Editing carry Rs 5 lakh each. The award structure, she said, has been designed to celebrate artistic excellence as well as the diverse creative and technical dimensions of filmmaking.
Adding a distinctive visual and experiential dimension to the festival, a Floating Screen on the waters of Dal Lake near SKICC is also being installed as part of the festival experience. The initiative is expected to provide an iconic setting for film screenings while showcasing the unique cultural and natural landscape of Jammu and Kashmir to visiting filmmakers, artists, and delegates from across India and abroad.
The Director Information also elaborated on the festival’s masterclass programme, which will provide aspiring filmmakers, students, and cinema enthusiasts an opportunity to engage directly with leading professionals from the industry. The three-day masterclass series will feature acclaimed director Vidhu Vinod Chopra, celebrated editor Namrata Rao, veteran sound designer Baylon Fonseca, in addition to Chittranjan Tripathi from NSD, Supriyo Sen (IDPA), Anil Mehta, and many others from the film industry. A workshop by Canon is also planned, where it will showcase the latest camera gadgets and equipment to students and enthusiasts.
The award framework reflects the DIPR’s endeavour to create a meaningful ecosystem of recognition for filmmakers across different dimensions of cinematic excellence. The cash prizes seek to appreciate creative achievement, individual performance, technical craftsmanship, and regional talent, making the inaugural IFFJK not merely a celebration of films but a platform for acknowledging the diverse artistic contributions that bring cinema to life.
The cash prizes are part of the broader vision of the J&K Government to position Jammu and Kashmir on the international cinematic map, provide opportunities for filmmakers to showcase their work, facilitate cultural exchange, and encourage emerging as well as established talent.
The meeting was also briefed about the proposed participation of prominent national and international film personalities, jury members, and members of the Steering Committee. Details of live performances planned for the opening and closing ceremonies were also shared. The cultural programme will feature leading national and local artists, with performances designed to showcase the rich, diverse, and vibrant cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir alongside contemporary artistic expression.
The meeting was further briefed about the publicity and branding strategy being undertaken through social media, national and local media platforms, as well as outdoor promotional campaigns, aimed at generating wider public engagement and building anticipation around the festival.
With its diverse international film selection, substantial prize purse, leading industry masterclasses, participation of eminent personalities, and unique cultural programming, IFFJK 2026 is set to provide Jammu and Kashmir with a new global platform for cinema, creativity, tourism promotion, and cultural exchange as envisaged as the outcomes of this festival of international repute.
Meanwhile, the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Government of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday announced the eminent five-member Jury for the 1st International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK), scheduled to be held from 7th to 10th September 2026.
The maiden edition of IFFJK is being organised with the objective of establishing Jammu and Kashmir as an important destination for cinema, creative expression, cultural exchange and meaningful dialogue. The festival will provide a platform for diverse cinematic voices while showcasing the rich cultural heritage, stories and creative potential of Jammu and Kashmir before a national and international audience.
The Jury comprises distinguished personalities from the world of cinema, including internationally acclaimed filmmakers, cinematographers, sound artists and film curators.
The five-member Jury includes, Santosh Sivan – Acclaimed Indian cinematographer, filmmaker, producer, and actor, and a founding member of the Indian Society of Cinematographers (ISC). His acclaimed directorial work includes The Terrorist, and in 2024 he was honoured with the Pierre Angénieux Tribute at the Cannes Film Festival.
Resul Pookutty, an Academy Award (Oscar) and BAFTA Award winner for Slumdog Millionaire, a Padma Shri recipient, and National Film Award winner. Internationally acclaimed sound designer, he has served on the executive committee of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), elevating Indian cinema’s global recognition.
Dorothee Wenner, a German filmmaker, curator, writer, and journalist renowned for her contributions to international cinema and cultural exchange. Since 1990, she has been associated with the Berlin International Film Festival, serving as a programmer and delegate for India and Sub-Saharan Africa. She is also a founding jury member of the Africa Movie Academy Awards and has worked extensively to promote African and Asian cinema globally. As a filmmaker, her notable works include Peace Mission, DramaConsult, and Kinshasa Collection.
Keiko Bang, Japanese media entrepreneur, documentary filmmaker, producer, and international curator with over three decades of experience in the global media industry. As the founder and CEO of Bang Singapore Pte Ltd., she has produced more than 50 award-winning documentaries, including Zheng He: Emperor of the Seas, Guge: The Lost Kingdom of Tibet, and Secrets of the Samurai. A leading advocate for international co-productions across Asia, she has worked with governments, broadcasters, and media oganizations in over 25 countries.
Himansu Sekhar Khatuaa National Film Award-winning filmmaker, and educator known for his significant contributions to Indian cinema. An alumnus of FTII Pune, he has worked on acclaimed films including Shunya Swaroopa, Ishanou, and several award-winning regional productions. He has also served as a faculty member and mentor, influencing generations of filmmakers through teaching and practice. He has also served as Director of Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI).
The Jury will evaluate films submitted under various competition and thematic sections of the festival, including international, national and Jammu and Kashmir-focused categories. Their collective expertise is expected to ensure an independent, credible and internationally informed assessment of the cinematic works presented at IFFJK.
The festival will feature a diverse programme of film screenings, masterclasses, in-conversation sessions, panel discussions and other cinematic engagements, providing opportunities for filmmakers, students, film professionals and audiences to interact and exchange ideas.
