Kashmir's first international film festival receives 875 entries from 50 nations
The first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK), scheduled for September 7-10, 2026, has received 875 film submissions from approximately 50 countries, officials announced. The event is organized by the Jammu and Kashmir government's Department of Information and Public Relations in collaboration with the National Film Development Corporation.
A government spokesperson stated that the submissions represent a wide spectrum of storytelling traditions and artistic perspectives, reflecting growing international interest in the region's cinematic initiative. The festival aims to establish Jammu and Kashmir as a hub for cinema, creativity, and cultural exchange.
The four-day event will include film screenings, interactive sessions, masterclasses, panel discussions, and cultural programs. Organizers say it will provide a platform for filmmakers worldwide to showcase their work and facilitate exchanges among industry experts, students, and cinema enthusiasts.
Officials described the festival as a significant step toward promoting artistic excellence and cultural dialogue, while showcasing the region's heritage and scenic beauty to a global audience. They emphasized that the initiative aims to foster friendship and cooperation through cinema.
This festival follows the establishment of the Kashmir Film Development Council, which provides a single-window mechanism for film producers to obtain shooting permits online. The council's goal is to incentivize and boost domestic and international film production in Jammu and Kashmir.
The region's film industry has historical roots: Bollywood productions began in Kashmir during the 1950s under then-Chief Minister Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad, after a permit system that restricted access earlier.
