SRINAGAR: The International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK)-2026 opened in Srinagar on Monday, with organisers stating that the festival has received entries from more than 80 countries and will showcase 135 shortlisted films over the next four days.
The festival, being held under the theme “Rang-e-Cinema”, was inaugurated by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo at INOX Multiplex in Srinagar. Senior civil administration officials, filmmakers, delegates and cinema enthusiasts attended the opening ceremony.
Addressing the gathering, Dulloo said the festival marked a significant step in Jammu and Kashmir’s engagement with the global film community and could help strengthen the Union Territory’s position as an emerging destination for filmmaking and film tourism.
He said Jammu and Kashmir has shared a longstanding association with cinema and has served as the backdrop for several notable Indian films over the decades. According to him, the festival provides an opportunity to deepen that relationship by creating a platform for creative exchange and collaboration between filmmakers from different countries.
Dulloo noted that entries from more than 80 countries had given the festival an international character and reflected growing interest in Jammu and Kashmir as a destination for cinematic engagement.
He said the government views cinema as a medium for promoting tourism, showcasing cultural heritage and fostering connections between people through storytelling. He also highlighted the presence of local creative talent and expressed hope that the festival would create opportunities for emerging writers, actors, musicians and filmmakers.
The festival opened with the screening of Dead Dog, directed by Lebanese filmmaker Sarah Francis, under the International Competition category.
Organisers said 135 films have been shortlisted for screening at multiple venues across Jammu and Kashmir during the festival, which will feature screenings, discussions and interactions among filmmakers and audiences.
The four-day event is expected to provide visiting delegates an opportunity to explore the region while promoting Jammu and Kashmir’s landscapes, culture and creative potential before an international audience.
