KD NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR, June 3: In a landmark step towards establishing Jammu & Kashmir as a premier global destination for cinema, culture and creative industries, the Government of Jammu & Kashmir has sanctioned the maiden edition of the International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK), which will be held from September 7 to 11, 2026, at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar and other prominent locations across the Union Territory.
The announcement marks a significant milestone in Jammu & Kashmir’s cultural and cinematic journey, reflecting the administration’s vision to position the region not only as one of the world’s most picturesque filming destinations but also as a vibrant centre for artistic expression, creative collaboration and cultural exchange.
The prestigious five-day international festival will be jointly organised by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Jammu & Kashmir, and the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), India’s premier agency for film promotion and development. The collaboration is expected to bring together some of the most influential voices from the global film fraternity while showcasing the region’s growing prominence on the international cinematic map.
Envisioned as a celebration of storytelling and visual arts, the inaugural edition of IFFJK will serve as a dynamic platform for filmmakers, producers, directors, actors, screenwriters, critics, scholars and cinema enthusiasts from India and around the world. The festival will feature screenings of acclaimed national and international films spanning diverse genres, cultures and perspectives, offering audiences a rich and immersive cinematic experience.
Beyond film screenings, the festival programme is expected to include a wide range of high-profile activities, including panel discussions, masterclasses, interactive sessions, workshops, cultural performances and industry networking events. These engagements will provide opportunities for meaningful dialogue on emerging trends in filmmaking, technological innovations, storytelling techniques and the evolving landscape of the global entertainment industry.
Officials believe the festival will play a transformative role in strengthening Jammu & Kashmir’s position as a preferred destination for film production. Over the past few years, the Union Territory has witnessed a renewed interest from filmmakers owing to its breathtaking natural landscapes, improved infrastructure, investor-friendly policies and proactive support for the film industry. The International Film Festival is expected to further amplify these efforts by showcasing the region’s immense cinematic and tourism potential before an international audience.
A key focus of the festival will be the promotion and nurturing of local talent. The platform is expected to provide aspiring filmmakers, actors, technicians and creative professionals from Jammu & Kashmir unprecedented exposure to global industry leaders and emerging opportunities within the film ecosystem. It will also encourage collaboration between regional filmmakers and international production houses, paving the way for new partnerships, knowledge exchange and creative ventures.
The event is anticipated to generate substantial benefits beyond the cultural sphere. By attracting filmmakers, delegates, tourists, media professionals and industry stakeholders from across the globe, the festival is expected to contribute significantly to tourism promotion, hospitality, local entrepreneurship and economic activity linked to the creative industries. Experts view such events as powerful catalysts for employment generation, youth engagement and cultural diplomacy.
The launch of the first International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir represents a defining moment in the Union Territory’s cultural calendar. More than just a cinematic event, it is being envisioned as a global showcase of Jammu & Kashmir’s artistic spirit, cultural richness and creative aspirations. As preparations begin for the landmark festival, anticipation is already building for what promises to be a historic celebration of cinema set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Kashmir Valley.
With the inaugural edition of IFFJK, Jammu & Kashmir is poised to open a new chapter in its cultural narrative—one where cinema becomes a bridge connecting local talent with global audiences, while reinforcing the region’s status as one of the most captivating destinations for filmmaking and creative expression in the world.
