J&K hosts first international film festival in Srinagar to revive cinema ties
Srinagar's first international film festival opens with 135 films from 80 countries, aiming to revive the region's cinematic legacy.
The inaugural International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) opened in Srinagar on Monday, marking a significant cultural milestone for the region. The four-day event, running until September 10, is supported by the Jammu and Kashmir government and the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR).
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo announced that the festival received an overwhelming response, with over 1,100 entries from 80 countries. After a careful selection process, 135 films were shortlisted for screening, including more than 60 foreign productions.
Officials described the festival as a strategic effort to reconnect Jammu and Kashmir with the global film industry. "This festival is a chance to reconnect Jammu & Kashmir with the global world of cinema," Dulloo said, inviting filmmakers from India and abroad to explore the region's culture, cuisine, and heritage. He added that the event would create opportunities for local youth in fields such as photography, direction, technical roles, acting, music, and songwriting.
Local artists welcomed the initiative as a long-awaited platform. Bindiya Tikku, a regional artist, expressed joy at seeing Kashmiri-language films screened alongside Lebanese movies on the same screens. She noted that 10 to 15 screens have been prepared for the festival, calling it a vibrant display of world cinema in Kashmir.
Actor Shabbir Ahmed described the festival as a revival of Bollywood's decades-old association with Kashmir. He stressed the importance of involving local artists and ensuring they feel the festival belongs to their community. "If we present ourselves as welcoming hosts, it will show future visitors that the people of Kashmir not only appreciate cinema but also have the skills to create high-quality films," he said.
Veteran Bollywood actor Akbar Khan highlighted the role of film festivals in building cultural bridges. He recalled that Kashmir once served as a massive outdoor studio for Bollywood and praised the region's natural beauty as unmatched for filming. Khan also urged respect for the region's culture and sentiments, emphasizing that Kashmir is an integral part of India.
The festival is showcasing Indian and international cinema while providing a platform for filmmakers, artists, and local talent, with a focus on promoting Jammu and Kashmir's cultural heritage, cuisine, and tourism potential.