Kashmir's first international film festival opens in Srinagar

Srinagar witnessed a historic cultural moment on Monday as the valley hosted its first-ever international film festival. The four-day event opened with the screening of the Lebanese film 'Dead Dog', a drama about an estranged couple's reunion, at the Inox multiplex in the Shiv Pora area.

The festival, inaugurated by Jammu & Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and Directorate of Information and Public Relations director Shreya Singhal, will screen films at multiple venues including the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), Inox, Gulmarg, and Jammu city. A floating screen on Dal Lake near SKICC adds a distinctive visual element to the proceedings.

Chief Secretary Dulloo noted that around 1,100 entries were received, with 135 shortlisted, including over 60 foreign films. He described the event as an opportunity to reconnect the region with the world of cinema and to make Kashmir a prominent film destination once again. He also emphasised the potential for local youth to find opportunities in the industry.

India leads country-wise participation with 64 films, followed by France with 13 and Iran with eight. Argentina, Spain, Brazil, Germany, Russia, and the US are also represented. An eminent jury, including filmmakers Santosh Sivan, Sriram Raghavan, and others, will decide awards, with the best film prize carrying ₹25 lakh.

The festival recalls Kashmir's cinematic heyday of the 1960s, when films like 'Junglee' and 'Kashmir ki Kali' made the valley a beloved backdrop. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has directed departments to showcase the region's heritage, cuisine, and crafts during the event. The gathering is seen as a major cultural initiative following the G20 Tourism Working Group meeting held in Srinagar in 2023.