Associated News Bureau

IFFJK to Put Jammu & Kashmir on Global Cinematic Map: Chief secretary

Srinagar, September 7: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Monday inaugurated the International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK)-2026 at INOX Multiplex, marking a significant step towards positioning the Union Territory as an emerging destination for filmmaking and film tourism. Being held under the theme “Rang-e-Cinema,” the four-day festival brings together filmmakers, cinema enthusiasts and creative professionals from India and abroad, offering a platform for cultural exchange, creative collaboration and interaction with the global film fraternity. Addressing the inaugural gathering, Dulloo welcomed visiting filmmakers, delegates and cinema enthusiasts, describing IFFJK as the first international film festival being hosted in Jammu & Kashmir. He said Jammu & Kashmir shares a long-standing association with Indian cinema, with its landscapes and cultural richness inspiring filmmakers for decades. He noted that the region has provided the backdrop for several memorable films and said the festival provides an opportunity to take this historic relationship forward. Highlighting the international response to the festival, the Chief Secretary said entries had been received from more than 80 countries, reflecting the growing potential of Jammu & Kashmir as a destination for global cinematic engagement. Dulloo said the Government views cinema not merely as entertainment but also as a powerful medium for promoting tourism, showcasing the region’s cultural heritage and fostering greater understanding among people and cultures. He emphasised the need to harness the potential of young people in the creative sector and provide them with opportunities to tell their stories through cinema. The Chief Secretary also highlighted Jammu & Kashmir’s pool of emerging writers, actors, singers, composers and musicians, saying IFFJK could provide them opportunities to interact with established filmmakers and creative professionals from India and abroad. He expressed hope that the festival would encourage new ideas, meaningful conversations and lasting creative collaborations while opening new avenues for young and emerging talent from the region. The inaugural ceremony was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Information; Commissioner Secretary, Education; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Deputy Commissioner Srinagar; Director Information and other senior officers of the divisional and district administration. The cinematic proceedings began with the screening of “Dead Dog,” directed by Sarah Francis of Lebanon, as the opening entry in the International Competition category. A total of 135 films have been shortlisted for screening at various venues across Jammu & Kashmir during the festival. The event is also expected to provide visiting filmmakers an opportunity to experience the region first-hand and explore its landscapes, cultural heritage and creative potential. With the inaugural screening completed, IFFJK-2026 has entered four days of film screenings, discussions and cultural exchange under the theme “Rang-e-Cinema.”