Jammu, Aug 10 (PTI) Describing the first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) as a landmark initiative, a senior government official on Monday said the three-day festival, scheduled to begin on September 7, will open a new chapter in the UT’s cultural journey by promoting dialogue, collaboration and cultural exchange.
Speaking at ‘Frame by Frame: The Storytellers’ Meet’ here, organized by Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) as a precursor to the festival, Commissioner Secretary, Information, R Alice Vaz invited filmmakers, producers, directors, actors and other members of the film fraternity to participate in the event in large numbers, saying that elaborate arrangements have been made for the screenings and associated activities.
“The festival is envisioned not merely as a platform for film screenings but also as a space for meaningful dialogue, interaction, collaboration and cultural exchange,” she said, terming the first festival as a landmark initiative aimed at opening a new chapter in the cultural and creative journey of the Union Territory.
“J&K has a rich and enduring association with cinema. The first International Film Festival is an important step towards building on this legacy and creating new opportunities for the film fraternity,” Vaz said.
The commissioner secretary said the department has taken note of the valuable suggestions and expectations put forth by members of the film fraternity during the interaction and assured that these inputs would be duly considered while framing policies and initiatives to facilitate the growth of the film sector in Jammu and Kashmir.
“The department is committed to creating a more conducive and enabling environment for filmmakers, artists and other creative professionals. The suggestions received today will certainly be considered while shaping future initiatives for the benefit of the fraternity,” she said.
She said the festival is not only about showcasing films, it is about bringing together filmmakers, producers, artists, audiences and the wider creative community. “We want this platform to encourage dialogue, collaboration and new creative possibilities.” She also underlined the wider potential of the festival in promoting Jammu and Kashmir as an attractive destination for filmmakers and visitors.
“While cinema remains at the heart of the festival, we also expect important collateral benefits, particularly in terms of tourism and showcasing the breathtaking landscapes, culture and creative potential of J&K to audiences across the country and the world,” she said.
Director Information, Shreya Singhal said the IFFJK-2026 will be held from September 7 to 10 in Srinagar, Jammu and Gulmarg, bringing together actors, producers, directors, writers, cinematographers and other professionals from across India and the world.
She said the festival seeks to establish J&K as a premier destination for filmmaking while reigniting the spirit of filmmaking in the region.
“The festival seeks to reignite the spirit of filmmaking in J&K and establish it as a premier destination for filmmakers. At the same time, one of our key objectives is to celebrate and empower the immensely talented young people of J&K associated with the film industry,” she said.
She said the festival has received an overwhelming response in its maiden edition, with entries coming from more than 80 countries, describing it as a strong indication of the global interest in J&K as a cultural and cinematic destination.
The Director Information said the festival will feature screenings of feature films, short films and documentaries from international, national and regional cinema, besides masterclasses and technical sessions on contemporary aspects of filmmaking.
Earlier, the meet provided an opportunity to members of the film fraternity and creative community to share their views, experiences and suggestions regarding the development of the film sector and the upcoming festival. PTI TAS NB
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