J&K International Film Festival kicks off in Srinagar

The International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) got off to a spectacular start with the traditional rendition of Vande Mataram, followed by the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana, on the decked-up lawns of Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre, located on the scenic banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar on Monday.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, along with a galaxy of Bollywood filmmakers, including Ramesh Sippy, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, SriRam Raghvan and Cinematographer Santosh Sivan, lit the traditional lamp before felicitating them.

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, Lieutenant Governor Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena and Dr Farooq Abdullah also attended the glittering ceremony.

The four-day festival has drawn filmmakers, actors, technicians, academics and film lovers from India and abroad to Jammu and Kashmir to reconnect the Union Territory with Bollywood and the global film industry.

On the occasion, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urged distinguished international filmmakers and other dignitaries to send out a clear message that Jammu and Kashmir is open, safe, vibrant and ready to welcome film crews.

He said we are not just opening a cinema event; we are opening a new chapter in the long-storied romance between J&K and the silver screen. He said, Kashmir is not just a location; it is a creative sanctuary, a home for global storytellers.

The Chief Minister said the festival is a declaration of J&K’s intent to emerge as a vibrant home for filmmakers, storytellers and creative talent from across the world.  Omar also referred to a long list of iconic Bollywood films shot in the Valley in his welcome address while inviting the young filmmakers to return to the paradise on earth and look beyond the screen.

Earlier, interacting with media persons before the formal ceremony, filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra described his participation in the International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) as an emotional homecoming, recalling his childhood and education in Kashmir and urging local youngsters to believe in their talent.

Chopra said the festival could provide a major opportunity for young filmmakers and help bring films and filmmakers from across the world to Kashmir. “It is an opportunity for youngsters. I see this festival as an opportunity. So many films and filmmakers can come here,” he said.

Actor Fatima Sana Shaikh, who played wrestler Geeta Phogat in the Bollywood biopic Dangal, on Monday said cultural festivals are important platforms that bring people together, provide opportunities to youth and promote regional cinema.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the event, Fatma said she is excited to attend the festival after a long time.

On regional cinema, Fatima said cinema can help showcase the culture, poetry and artistry of different regions. “Regional cinema is important. Through cinema, poetry, culture and artistry can be showcased. These things have existed for centuries. Spoken words, artistry and all of this are part of our heritage,” she said.

Fatima also said an international film festival could open doors for international filmmakers and create more opportunities for film shoots in Jammu and Kashmir.

“It will open doors for international filmmakers. Film shootings happened here earlier and they are happening now as well. It depends. With an international festival taking place, they will also understand what can be done here and what the people are like,” she said.

Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir, in his welcome address, said the festival received an overwhelming response, with more than 1,100 entries from 40 Countries.

He said the festival aims to reconnect Jammu and Kashmir with the global world of cinema and invite filmmakers to explore the region.

“This festival is a chance to reconnect Jammu & Kashmir with the global world of cinema. We invite the film industry, both from India and abroad, to explore our culture, cuisine, and heritage, and to once again establish Jammu & Kashmir as a premier filming destination,” he said.

He added that the festival would also create opportunities for local youth in different fields of cinema.

“It also provides numerous opportunities for our talented and ambitious youth in various fields of cinema, including photography, direction, technical roles, acting, music, and songwriting. This is a win-win situation for both the film industry and Jammu & Kashmir. We aim to strengthen this connection year after year,” he said.

Local artist Bindiya Tikku welcomed the initiative, saying it was an important moment for artists in the region.

“Look, through the efforts of the government and the

DIPR, this is the first time such a platform has been established here. I believe there couldn’t be a greater moment of joy for all of us artists,” Tikku said.

She highlighted the diversity of films being screened at the festival.

“Today, you can see regional cinema, Kashmiri language films, alongside Lebanese language movies, all on the same screen. It’s not just one screen; 10 to 15 screens have been prepared,” she said.

“We are truly witnessing the vibrant colours of world cinema here in Kashmir. Nothing could be better than this. I wouldn’t necessarily call it a revival, but there was a disconnect that had formed between Kashmir and the film industry, including global cinema. That disconnect is now being reconnected,” Tikku added.

Local actor and artist Shabbir Ahmed described the festival as a positive step towards reviving Bollywood’s longstanding association with Kashmir.

“My impression is that this is a very positive and welcome step. For decades, Bollywood has shared a deep connection with Kashmir, and this festival is a revival of that bond. It serves as an open invitation. For the upcoming autumn season, this is an invitation for filmmakers to come and shoot their music videos and movies, allowing them to showcase the authentic beauty of Kashmir to the world,” Ahmed said. The skills to create and deliver high-quality films.”

Veteran Bollywood actor Akbar Khan also highlighted the importance of film festivals in building cultural bridges and praised Jammu and Kashmir’s potential as a filming destination.

“I want to emphasise that film festivals are cultural events that build bridges between nations, allowing for the exchange of culture, history, and civilisation. I believe there is no other place in our country as beautiful or as perfect for filming as Jammu & Kashmir,” Khan said.

Director Information, Shreya Singhal appealed to youngsters and locals to participate in IFFJK-2026 and enjoy the films being screened at the festival.