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Jammu & Kashmir Launches First International Film Festival, Showcasing 135 Films from 41 Countries
The Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir is set to host its inaugural International Film Festival (IFFJK) from September 7‑10, 2026, a four‑day celebration that will bring 135 films from 41 countries to the region’s screens. Titled Rang‑e‑Cinema—the Colours of Cinema—this landmark event marks the first time an international film festival will take place in the valley.
Screenings will light up the Srinagar Convention and Exhibition Centre (SKICC) in the capital, while select programmes will spill into Jammu, the alpine resort of Gulmarg, and the city’s sole multiplex, Inox. The festival’s website reports that 1,100 entries were received from 92 countries, from which 135 films were shortlisted for the programme.
Bollywood’s own Ramesh Sippy, singer‑actress Palak Muchhal, and actor Pankaj Tripathi are among the confirmed guests, and international filmmakers from Spain, Japan, Germany, Mexico, Jordan, France and Canada are slated to attend. Shreya Singhal, director of the Department of Information, Public Relations & Tourism (DIPR), told reporters that “our guests have started arriving… we feel that this event should feature local cultural themes, including flowers and their natural beauty as part of our decoration.”
Beyond the reels, IFFJK will host panel discussions, masterclasses and conversations that explore the art of filmmaking. The programme also includes a selection of Virtual Bharat documentaries chosen for the festival. Joint director of DIPR Shahnawaz Bukhari described the event as “a well‑intentioned effort of the government to promote film tourism” and said it aims to reassert the region’s connection with Bollywood and the broader film industry.
The festival is positioned as a platform to showcase Kashmir’s cultural heritage and to boost tourism. By bringing together filmmakers, artists and audiences from India and abroad, the event seeks to highlight the valley’s artistic legacy and to attract visitors to its scenic locations. The inclusion of international films and industry panels is intended to create networking opportunities for local filmmakers and to raise the profile of Jammu & Kashmir on the global cinema map.
Logistical arrangements have been made to accommodate participants and visitors. The government has coordinated transportation and security measures across the four venues, and the festival’s organisers have worked with local authorities to ensure smooth operations. A dedicated area for film‑tourism promotion will allow visitors to learn about travel packages and cultural experiences in the region.
As the festival approaches, organisers are finalising the detailed schedule and confirming the full list of films and guests. IFFJK 2026 is expected to attract significant media attention and to serve as a catalyst for further cultural and economic initiatives in Jammu & Kashmir.
Screenings will light up the Srinagar Convention and Exhibition Centre (SKICC) in the capital, while select programmes will spill into Jammu, the alpine resort of Gulmarg, and the city’s sole multiplex, Inox. The festival’s website reports that 1,100 entries were received from 92 countries, from which 135 films were shortlisted for the programme.
Bollywood’s own Ramesh Sippy, singer‑actress Palak Muchhal, and actor Pankaj Tripathi are among the confirmed guests, and international filmmakers from Spain, Japan, Germany, Mexico, Jordan, France and Canada are slated to attend. Shreya Singhal, director of the Department of Information, Public Relations & Tourism (DIPR), told reporters that “our guests have started arriving… we feel that this event should feature local cultural themes, including flowers and their natural beauty as part of our decoration.”
Beyond the reels, IFFJK will host panel discussions, masterclasses and conversations that explore the art of filmmaking. The programme also includes a selection of Virtual Bharat documentaries chosen for the festival. Joint director of DIPR Shahnawaz Bukhari described the event as “a well‑intentioned effort of the government to promote film tourism” and said it aims to reassert the region’s connection with Bollywood and the broader film industry.
The festival is positioned as a platform to showcase Kashmir’s cultural heritage and to boost tourism. By bringing together filmmakers, artists and audiences from India and abroad, the event seeks to highlight the valley’s artistic legacy and to attract visitors to its scenic locations. The inclusion of international films and industry panels is intended to create networking opportunities for local filmmakers and to raise the profile of Jammu & Kashmir on the global cinema map.
Logistical arrangements have been made to accommodate participants and visitors. The government has coordinated transportation and security measures across the four venues, and the festival’s organisers have worked with local authorities to ensure smooth operations. A dedicated area for film‑tourism promotion will allow visitors to learn about travel packages and cultural experiences in the region.
As the festival approaches, organisers are finalising the detailed schedule and confirming the full list of films and guests. IFFJK 2026 is expected to attract significant media attention and to serve as a catalyst for further cultural and economic initiatives in Jammu & Kashmir.
