Omar Abdullah Reviews Preparations For J-K’s First International Film Festival

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday reviewed preparations for the maiden International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) 2026, scheduled to be held from September 7 to 10.

Abdullah chaired a comprehensive review meeting and directed officials to ensure meticulous planning and seamless coordination among departments for the four-day event. He said the festival should showcase Jammu and Kashmir's rich heritage, cuisine, handicrafts, art forms and iconic tourist destinations to a global audience.

The IFFJK is being organised by the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Jammu and Kashmir, in collaboration with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC). The festival aims to position the Union Territory as a destination for cinema, creativity and cultural exchange, while providing filmmakers with a platform to showcase their work.

The programme will feature film screenings, masterclasses, interactive sessions, panel discussions and cultural engagements, bringing together filmmakers, industry professionals, students and cinema enthusiasts. Its stated objectives also include promoting artistic excellence, cinematic innovation and greater understanding among different film cultures.

The festival has received a strong international response. More than 1,100 film entries from around 50 countries have been received, according to recent information from festival authorities, marking a significant increase from the 875 submissions reported before the entry window closed.

IFFJK's competition and showcase sections include International Competition, Best Debut Film, Cinema of the World, Bharat Panorama and Jammu & Kashmir Select, among others. The Jammu & Kashmir Select section will highlight films linked to the region through their filmmakers, production, locations or themes.

The festival was formally launched at a curtain-raiser ceremony on July 17, with Abdullah inviting filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts to participate in what was described as a landmark initiative for the Union Territory.

Abdullah has called for IFFJK to be developed into an annual event on the global film calendar, combining cinema with J&K's cultural and tourism strengths.