Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday outlined an ambitious roadmap for Jammu & Kashmir’s first International Film Festival (IFFJK)-2026, saying the event should evolve into a globally recognised cinematic platform and help restore the region’s historic role in film production and creative industries.
Chairing a review meeting on preparations for the inaugural festival, the Chief Minister said the International Film Festival should not remain merely a film event but emerge as a defining cultural and economic platform for Jammu & Kashmir.
He said the festival should celebrate storytelling while showcasing Jammu & Kashmir’s landscapes, cultural heritage, artistic traditions and emerging creative talent, with the capacity to attract renowned filmmakers, producers, artists and cinema enthusiasts from across the world.
Omar Abdullah said the initiative should generate opportunities in tourism, investment, employment and the creative economy while reinforcing Jammu & Kashmir’s long-standing association with Indian cinema and positioning the region once again as a preferred destination for film production and cinematic tourism.
Emphasising the need to strengthen the local creative ecosystem, the Chief Minister directed officials to ensure meaningful participation of local filmmakers, writers, directors, actors, cinematographers, technicians, photographers, designers, artisans and craftspeople through exhibitions, networking platforms and business engagements.
He also called for structured interactions between local talent and leading national and international film personalities through masterclasses, workshops, panel discussions, mentoring sessions and knowledge-sharing programmes to provide exposure and professional opportunities to aspiring filmmakers from the region.
The Chief Minister further proposed creating a dedicated segment to honour actors, filmmakers, producers, cinematographers, musicians and other cinema personalities who have contributed to preserving Jammu & Kashmir’s cinematic legacy over the decades.
Highlighting the wider developmental impact of the event, Omar Abdullah said the festival should create opportunities for local artisans, entrepreneurs and tourism stakeholders and become a broader celebration of Jammu & Kashmir’s artistic and entrepreneurial excellence.
During the meeting, officials reviewed plans related to branding, global outreach, programming, digital engagement, venue management, audience experience and institutional collaborations.
According to the proposed framework, the four-day festival is scheduled to be held in September 2026 and will feature international competition, Indian cinema, documentaries, short films, student films, animation, regional cinema, workshops, industry forums and cultural programmes.
The meeting also discussed plans for a dedicated digital ecosystem, including a festival website and an AI-enabled mobile application for film submissions, registrations, accreditation, scheduling and audience engagement, besides a global promotional campaign.
Reiterating his vision, the Chief Minister directed all departments to work in close coordination and complete preparations in time to establish Jammu & Kashmir as a world-class destination for cinema under the J&K Film Policy.
