# International Film Festivals in Jammu and Kashmir

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/international-film-festivals-in-jammu-and-kashmir
> Updated: 2026-09-09T14:04:04.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 4.

The inaugural International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) commenced on September 7, 2026, in Srinagar. Hosted primarily at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), with additional activities in Jammu and Gulmarg, the festival features over 130 films from more than 40 countries. The event includes a jury featuring cinematographer Santosh Sivan, Dorothee Wenner, Keiko Bang, and Himansu Sekhar Khatua, alongside special guests such as filmmakers Ramesh Sippy and Vidhu Vinod Chopra.

During the inauguration, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urged filmmakers to move beyond using the region as a mere scenic backdrop for Bollywood. He emphasized the need to incorporate authentic human stories and the region’s true cinematic strength, such as ‘Kashmiriyat,’ hospitality, and artistic traditions like Sufiyana Kalam and instruments like the Santoor and Rabab. This sentiment aligns with academic critiques, such as those by Nivedita Sharma, which argue that the film industry has historically used Kashmir as an idyllic setting for romance while leaving local identity and lived narratives peripheral.

Local filmmakers have noted that the festival could help normalize filmmaking as a viable professional career in the region. To engage the community, the festival has implemented innovative elements, including portable theatres set up in open fields, allowing students and local youth to watch films and interact directly with directors and their teams. The event is supported by the Jammu and Kashmir government and the Department of Information and Public Relations.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-09: International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir debuts in Srinagar

The first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir has launched in Srinagar, screening 130 films to support local talent and connect regional filmmakers with global and Bollywood cinema.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/international-film-festival-of-jammu-and-kashmir-debuts-in-srinagar

### 2026-09-07: Jammu and Kashmir leaders urge filmmakers to move beyond romanticized scenery

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urged filmmakers to move beyond using Kashmir as a romantic backdrop and instead embrace its rich culture and local stories at the inaugural International Film Festival of J&K.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jammu-and-kashmir-leaders-urge-filmmakers-to-move-beyond-romanticized-scenery

### 2026-09-06: International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir to debut in Srinagar

The first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir begins September 7, featuring 130+ films from 40+ countries and over 300 guests in Srinagar, Jammu, and Gulmarg.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/international-film-festival-of-jammu-and-kashmir-to-debut-in-srinagar

### 2026-09-02: International Film Festival of Kashmir opens in Srinagar

The 6th International Film Festival of Kashmir has opened in Srinagar, showcasing 28 films from 24 countries to promote local film culture and diverse storytelling.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/international-film-festival-of-kashmir-opens-in-srinagar

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Cite as: International Film Festivals in Jammu and Kashmir. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/international-film-festivals-in-jammu-and-kashmir