Srinagar, 07 September (H.S.): The International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) began in Srinagar on Monday, with artists and officials describing the event as an important step towards reconnecting the region with Bollywood and the global film industry.

The festival, being held from September 7 to 10, has been supported by the Jammu and Kashmir government and the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR).

Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir, said the festival received an overwhelming response, with more than 1,100 entries from 80 countries.

“As you all know, the first-ever International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir is starting today. It will be a four-day festival from the 7th to the 10th of September. When we were inviting entries for screening in this film festival, we received an overwhelming response. There was a response from 80 countries, and more than 1,100 entries were received,” he said.

As you all know, the first-ever International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir is commencing today. It will be a four-day event, running from the 7th to the 10th of September. When we invited entries for screening, we received an overwhelming response from 80 countries, with over 1,100 submissions, Dulloo added.

He said 135 entries were shortlisted for screening during the festival, including more than 60 foreign films.

After a careful screening process and considering the time available, 135 entries were shortlisted for display over these four days. These include more than 60 foreign films, he said.

Kumar said the festival aims to reconnect Jammu and Kashmir with the global world of cinema and invite filmmakers to explore the region.

This festival is a chance to reconnect Jammu & Kashmir with the global world of cinema. We invite the film industry, both from India and abroad, to explore our culture, cuisine, and heritage, and to once again establish Jammu & Kashmir as a premier filming destination, he said.

He added that the festival would also create opportunities for local youth in different fields of cinema.

It also provides numerous opportunities for our talented and ambitious youth in various fields of cinema, including photography, direction, technical roles, acting, music, and songwriting. This is a win-win situation for both the film industry and Jammu & Kashmir. We aim to strengthen this connection year after year, he said.

Local artist Bindiya Tikku welcomed the initiative, saying it was an important moment for artists in the region.

Look, through the efforts of the government and the DIPR, this is the first time such a platform has been established here. I believe there couldn't be a greater moment of joy for all of us artists, Tikku said.

She highlighted the diversity of films being screened at the festival.

Today, you can see regional cinema, Kashmiri language films, alongside Lebanese language movies, all on the same screen. It's not just one screen; 10 to 15 screens have been prepared, she said.

We are truly witnessing the vibrant colours of world cinema here in Kashmir. Nothing could be better than this. I wouldn't necessarily call it a revival, but there was a disconnect that had formed between Kashmir and the film industry, including global cinema. That disconnect is now being reconnected, Tikku added.

Local actor and artist Shabbir Ahmed described the festival as a positive step towards reviving Bollywood's longstanding association with Kashmir.

My impression is that this is a very positive and welcome step. For decades, Bollywood has shared a deep connection with Kashmir, and this festival is a revival of that bond. It serves as an open invitation. For the upcoming autumn season, this is an invitation for filmmakers to come and shoot their music videos and movies, allowing them to showcase the authentic beauty of Kashmir to the world, Ahmed said.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar