Chief Minister Omar Abdullah outlines roadmap for first Jammu and Kashmir International Film Festival

SRINAGAR, June 30, 2026 :- Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the preparations for the first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir, which is scheduled to take place over four days in September 2026.

The landmark initiative is designed to revive the region’s historic cinematic legacy, promote cinematic tourism, and establish Jammu and Kashmir as a world-class destination for global filmmaking.

During the meeting, Director Information and Public Relations Shreya Singhal delivered a comprehensive presentation detailing the organizational framework, screening strategies, digital outreach, and industry partnerships for the inaugural edition.

The Chief Minister emphasized that the international festival must serve as a major cultural and economic catalyst to generate fresh opportunities in tourism, employment, and the local creative economy.

To support local talent, the government has directed organizers to integrate regional filmmakers, writers, technicians, and artisans into the festival through structured networking, exhibitions, and business engagements. Aspiring local professionals will also gain access to masterclasses, workshops, and panel discussions featuring eminent national and international film industry experts.

The upcoming event will feature an array of segments, including international competitions, Indian cinema, documentaries, short films, animation, and regional cinema across multiple screening venues. The Chief Minister also called for a special segment dedicated to honoring cinema legends who have contributed to the region’s filmmaking legacy over the decades.

To support the event, the administration is developing a dedicated digital ecosystem featuring an artificial intelligence-enabled mobile application and website for seamless registrations, scheduling, and real-time festival management.