Srinagar, August 18, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday reviewed preparations for the inaugural International Film Festival of J&K (IFFJK), scheduled to be held from September 7 to 10 across Srinagar and Jammu.
Chairing a high-level meeting, the Chief Minister emphasised the festival’s potential to promote cultural exchange, creative collaboration and opportunities for filmmakers from Jammu and Kashmir to connect with the global film fraternity.
The four-day festival is envisioned as an international platform showcasing cinematic excellence, emerging filmmaking talent and the rich cultural and cinematic heritage of the Union Territory.
Commissioner Secretary, Information, R. Alice Vaz briefed the meeting on the festival programme, which will feature screenings under categories including International Competition, Cinema of the World, Bharat Panorama, J&K Select, Best Debut Film, Documentary/Hybrid and Short Films.
The festival will also host masterclasses, panel discussions, in-conversation sessions, round tables and workshops involving filmmakers, actors, critics, scholars and other personalities from the film industry.
The meeting reviewed arrangements at key venues, including the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), INOX Shivpora in Srinagar and Waves Cinema in Jammu. Preparations for a proposed floating cinema at Lalit Ghat were also discussed.
Plans for a Gulmarg excursion for a select group of filmmakers were reviewed, including visits to the Gondola, Golf Course, Gulmarg Club and other attractions.
Omar Abdullah directed all departments and agencies to ensure close coordination and timely completion of preparations. He stressed the need to prominently showcase Jammu and Kashmir’s heritage, cuisine, handicrafts, traditional art forms and tourist destinations during the festival.
The meeting also reviewed security and traffic arrangements, airport facilitation, hospitality and protocol, accommodation, transportation, medical services, power supply, sanitation, beautification and venue readiness.
Dedicated liaison and nodal officers are being appointed to coordinate with the Information Department and visiting delegates. The department has also been tasked with maintaining a consolidated action matrix covering responsibilities, timelines, progress and pending issues.
Plans for invitations, participant facilitation and media arrangements were also discussed, along with an extensive publicity and branding campaign across regional and national print, electronic, digital and outdoor media platforms.
The festival is expected to bring together filmmakers, artists, storytellers, industry leaders, policymakers, academicians, students and cinema audiences from India and abroad.
Omar Abdullah said meticulous planning and coordination would be crucial for establishing IFFJK as a premier annual event on the international film calendar while creating a wider platform and meaningful opportunities for local filmmakers and emerging talent.
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