Kashmir’s first ever international film festival attracts 875 submissions from 50 countries

Enjoying the improvement in the security situation in Kashmir, the J&K government is all set to host the first Jammu and Kashmir International Film Festival-2026 (IFFJK) and has registered 875 film applications from around 50 countries so far.

“The diversity of entries from nearly 50 countries will enrich the festival with a wide range of storytelling traditions, artistic perspectives and innovative filmmaking. International interest in the J&K government’s flagship cinema initiative is growing,” a government spokesperson said.

The festival is organized by the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) of the J&K government in collaboration with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC). It will be held between 7-10 September.

The festival aims to make Jammu and Kashmir a vibrant destination for cinema, creativity and cultural exchange and also provide a prestigious platform for filmmakers from across the world to showcase their work, the spokesperson said.

“The encouraging response from both national and international filmmakers underscores the growing confidence in Jammu and Kashmir as an emerging hub for film production, cinematic excellence and creative collaboration,” the spokesperson said.

The four-day festival will include screenings of selected films, interactive sessions, master classes, panel discussions and cultural events; It will offer filmmakers, industry experts, students and cinema lovers opportunities to exchange ideas and explore new ways of collaboration.

Officials said IFFJK is an important step towards “promoting artistic excellence, strengthening cultural dialogue and showcasing Jammu and Kashmir’s rich heritage, natural splendor and creative potential before a global audience.”

“In addition to promoting friendship and cooperation among the people of the world through cinema, it will also enrich the understanding and appreciation of the film cultures of different nations in the context of social and cultural values,” officials said.

This is the second major measure taken to attract filmmakers in J&K. Earlier, the government had set up the Kashmir Film Development Council (JKFDC) “to provide a single window mechanism for filmmakers to shoot online in Kashmir”. He encouraged and increased domestic and international film production in J&K.

Kashmir, which had a strict permit system for Bollywood until the 1950s, first opened up to Bollywood during the reign of Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad, who served as the last Prime Minister and then Prime Minister of J&K from 1953 to 1964.