Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday chaired a review meeting to assess preparations for the first International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK)- 2026, envisaged as a landmark initiative to revive the region’s cinematic legacy.
The meeting held extensive deliberations on the festival’s vision, its screening and programming strategy, branding, digital outreach, industry partnerships and international participation.
Reviewing the proposals, the Chief Minister said the International Film Festival should evolve into a globally recognised cinematic event celebrating storytelling while showcasing Jammu and Kashmir’s breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, artistic traditions and emerging creative talent. He stressed the need to deliver a professionally curated festival of international standards capable of attracting renowned filmmakers, producers, artists and cinema enthusiasts from across the world.
The proposed four-day festival, scheduled to be held in September 2026, will host screenings across multiple venues, offering an immersive experience for filmmakers, delegates and audiences.
Omar underlined that the festival must not be viewed merely as a film event but as a defining cultural and economic platform for Jammu and Kashmir. He said it should generate opportunities in tourism, investment, employment and the creative economy while reaffirming J&K’s historic place as India’s preferred destination for film production, creative pursuits and cinematic tourism.
Emphasising the importance of nurturing the local creative ecosystem, the Chief Minister directed that local filmmakers, writers, directors, actors, cinematographers, technicians, photographers, designers, artisans, craftsmen and other creative professionals be meaningfully integrated with the film festival through exhibitions, facilitating networking opportunities and business engagements.
He further instructed the organisers to facilitate structured interactions between local talent and eminent national and international filmmakers, producers, directors, actors and industry experts through master-class and in-conversation sessions, workshops, panel discussions, mentoring sessions and knowledge-sharing programmes.
Such engagements, he said, would provide aspiring professionals from Jammu & Kashmir with global exposure, technical expertise and industry networks while encouraging innovation and excellence in filmmaking.
The Chief Minister also called for instituting a special segment to recognise distinguished actors, filmmakers, directors, producers, cinematographers, musicians and other cinema personalities who have played a significant role in keeping Jammu & Kashmir’s cinematic legacy alive by creating memorable films in the region over the decades.
Recognising their contribution, he said, would celebrate Kashmir’s enduring association with Indian cinema while inspiring a renewed partnership between the film industry and Jammu and Kashmir.
Highlighting the festival’s wider developmental potential, the Chief Minister said it should also create meaningful opportunities for local artisans, craftspeople, entrepreneurs, tourism stakeholders, ensuring that the benefits of the event extend well beyond the film fraternity. He directed the concerned departments to make the festival a comprehensive celebration of Jammu and Kashmir’s artistic, cultural and entrepreneurial excellence.
During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on the festival’s branding strategy, global outreach, programming, digital engagement, technical collaborations, venue management, audience experience, promotional campaigns and institutional partnerships. The proposed festival will feature international competition, Indian cinema, documentaries, short films, student films, animation, regional cinema, industry forums, workshops and cultural programmes.
