Srinagar, 30 June (H.S.): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a review meeting to assess preparations for the 1st International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK)-2026, envisaged as a landmark initiative to revive the region’s cinematic legacy.
The meeting held extensive deliberations on the festival’s vision, its screening & programming strategy, branding, digital outreach, industry partnerships and international participation.
Director Information & Public Relations Shreya Singhal gave a comprehensive presentation outlining the proposed framework for the inaugural edition of the festival.
Reviewing the proposals, the Chief Minister said the International Film Festival should evolve into a globally recognized cinematic event celebrating storytelling while showcasing Jammu & Kashmir’s breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, artistic traditions and emerging creative talent. He stressed the need to deliver a professionally curated festival of international standards capable of attracting renowned filmmakers, producers, artists and cinema enthusiasts from across the world.
CM Omar Abdullah underlined that the festival must not be viewed merely as a film event but as a defining cultural and economic platform for Jammu & Kashmir. He said it should generate opportunities in tourism, investment, employment and the creative economy while reaffirming J&K’s historic place as India’s preferred destination for film production, creative pursuits and cinematic tourism.
Emphasizing the importance of nurturing the local creative ecosystem, the Chief Minister directed that local filmmakers, writers, directors, actors, cinematographers, technicians, photographers, designers, artisans, craftsmen and other creative professionals be meaningfully integrated with the film festival through exhibitions, facilitating networking opportunities and business engagements.
He further instructed the organizers to facilitate structured interactions between local talent and eminent national and international filmmakers, producers, directors, actors and industry experts through master-class & in-conversation sessions, workshops, panel discussions, mentoring sessions and knowledge-sharing programmes.
Such engagements, he said, would provide aspiring professionals from Jammu & Kashmir with global exposure, technical expertise and industry networks while encouraging innovation and excellence in filmmaking.
The Chief Minister also called for instituting a special segment to recognize distinguished actors, filmmakers, directors, producers, cinematographers, musicians and other cinema personalities who have played a significant role in keeping Jammu & Kashmir’s cinematic legacy alive by creating memorable films in the region over the decades.
Recognizing their contribution, he said, would celebrate Kashmir’s enduring association with Indian cinema while inspiring a renewed partnership between the film industry and Jammu & Kashmir.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar
