Four-day Kashmir film festival puts spotlight on destination for filmmakers and local storytellers

The star-studded, four-day First International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) concluded on Thursday (September 10, 2026) in Srinagar, bringing intense attention to Kashmir as a destination for filmmakers and a platform for locals to become storytellers.

Apart from screening 120 films from around 30 countries, a platform was provided to a host of locals including students, film lovers, artists and filmmakers to meet and learn from big names of Bollywood like Ramesh Sippy, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Imtiaz Ali etc.

Locals conducted master classes and interactive sessions on various film related topics with directors like Rahat Shah Kazmi, Kapil Mathu, Munjal Shroff, Subbiah Nallamuthu, Arun Chadda, Yadu Vijaykrishnan, Supriyo Sen, Chittaranjan Tripathi etc.

Encouraged by the success of the festival, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, “It allowed a young writer to meet a director and an aspiring director to learn from a professional or two people meeting here who might one day make a film together.”

The film is being screened at a floating cinema on Dal Lake during the first Jammu and Kashmir International Film Festival in Srinagar. | Photo credit: IMRAN NISSAR

Mr. Abdullah envisioned Kashmir as not “just a filming location” but “a place where stories can be told.” “The festival was a test of an idea, an invitation, an experiment and, above all, a hope that Jammu and Kashmir could create a meaningful platform for cinema,” Mr. Abdullah said.

Referring to films shot in Kashmir in the past such as ‘Aarzoo’, ‘Kashmir Ki Kali’ and ‘Kabhie Kabhie’, Mr. Abdullah said, “These films were screened against the backdrop of the very landscape that helped make them memorable.” These films were shown on a floating screen on Dal Lake.

“For decades, Kashmir has traveled to audiences through the cinema screen. This week, the screen has, in a sense, returned to Kashmir,” Mr Abdullah said.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L Murugan said that J&K is emerging as an active creator, leader and partner in the modern global narrative. “For decades, the silver screen has shown us through the camera lens the snowy peaks of Gulmarg, the saffron fields of Srinagar and the historic temples of Jammu. Today, J&K is not just a short-term filming destination; it is becoming an active creator, presenter and partner in the modern global narrative,” Mr. Murugan said.

The final part of the festival concluded with rousing performances by singers Usha Uthup and Gulzar Ganai. Several films, directors and actors were also awarded on the occasion. Directed by Kapil Matto, Tasrufdar. Jinns of Kashmir” won the Best Film award in the J&K category. Tanya Maniktala won the Best Actress award for the film Arifa.