J&K's debut international film festival opens in Srinagar, draws global filmmakers

Srinagar is hosting the inaugural International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK), a week-long event that has drawn filmmakers from across India and abroad. Organised with support from the state government and the Department of Information and Public Relations, the festival is screening around 130 films and aims to create a meeting point for cinema professionals, artists, and audiences.

Several participating filmmakers have used the platform to highlight the need for more regional festivals. Local director Danish Renzu said such events open doors for emerging talent and help change perceptions about filmmaking as a profession. He noted that in the region, cinema is often seen as a side pursuit rather than a serious career, and that repeated festivals could normalise it as a viable path.

Director Rahhat Kazmi described the festival as a significant step toward connecting Kashmir with Bollywood and the wider international film community. He emphasised that the event provides local creators with a space to interact, learn, and gain recognition for their work.

Spanish filmmaker Anna Saura underlined the broader importance of film festivals, noting that they serve not only as promotional platforms but also as gateways to funding and subsidies in many countries. She stressed that both large international festivals and smaller regional ones play a critical role in sustaining the cinema industry.

The IFFJK is intended to serve as a recurring bridge between local storytelling traditions and global cinematic practices, with sessions and screenings designed to foster dialogue and collaboration.