Srinagar, Jul 24: The curtain raiser for the first International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) was held on Friday at the Royal Springs Golf Course here, marking a significant step toward rebuilding Kashmir’s historic bond with cinema and establishing the Union Territory as a preferred destination for filmmaking.
The launch event was attended by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, eminent filmmaker and Padma Shri awardee Muzaffar Ali, renowned filmmaker and writer Imtiaz Ali, filmmaker Sajid Ali, Director Information Shreya Singhal, Secretary in Information Department Munir ul Islam, Secretary Royal Springs Golf Course Haris Ahmad Handoo, Joint Director Information Shahnawaz Bukhari, senior government officers and members of the film fraternity.
The event brought together some of the most respected names in Indian cinema who have had a long and cherished association with Kashmir. Recalling the golden era when Kashmir was an integral part of Bollywood, the speakers highlighted how the Valley’s breathtaking landscapes once formed the backdrop of countless memorable films and songs.
The Chief Secretary described the curtain raiser as a historic occasion that revives the great partnership between Jammu and Kashmir and the film industry. He said the region is blessed with a goldmine of talent and potential, and platforms like IFFJK would provide budding filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their skills on a global stage.
Noted filmmaker Muzaffar Ali, who has had a long association with Kashmir, spoke about the special place the Valley has held in Indian cinema from the very beginning. He fondly remembered his own experiences of shooting remarkable films in the region and expressed hope that the festival would rekindle that magic.
Filmmaker and writer Imtiaz Ali, known for several Bollywood blockbusters shot in Kashmir, described Kashmiri youth as among the brightest in the country when it comes to talent. He recalled his own association with the Valley and the creative energy he found there.
Director Information Shreya Singhal, in her welcome address, described the event as the beginning of cinema’s homecoming to Jammu and Kashmir. She highlighted that the festival aims to establish J&K as a prime film shooting destination in the country. “Around 400 entries from over 25 countries have already been received in different formats for screening during the festival, with the deadline for film submissions set for July 30, 2026,” she said.
The government is working to create a filmmaker-friendly ecosystem by simplifying procedures, reducing production costs, and developing a skilled local workforce to support film production. The festival, scheduled to be held from September 7 to 10, 2026, is envisioned as a premier platform celebrating cinema, culture and creativity while showcasing the region’s breathtaking landscapes, artistic heritage and emerging filmmaking ecosystem.
The festival is expected to bring together filmmakers, artists, industry leaders and cinema enthusiasts from India and around the world, reaffirming Jammu and Kashmir’s place on the global cinematic map. The decision to keep Srinagar Airport operational during the festival period has removed a major logistical concern and will ensure smooth participation by filmmakers, artists and guests from across the country and abroad.
The event also featured the unveiling of festival merchandise, setting the tone for what promises to be a landmark cultural event for the region. With the film submissions closing on July 30, preparations are gathering pace for what organisers hope will become a permanent fixture on the global film calendar.
