Associated News Bureau

IFFJK Marks New Chapter for J&K’s Emerging Film Industry

SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 12: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the inaugural International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) has marked a new chapter for the Union Territory, with the four-day festival showcasing J&K’s cinematic potential while creating opportunities for local talent. The festival featured floating cinema screenings on Dal Lake, bringing timeless classics to audiences against the iconic backdrop, alongside a diverse selection of international films and new releases featuring prominent Bollywood actors. Beyond its scenic settings, IFFJK placed a strong emphasis on nurturing young talent from Jammu & Kashmir. The festival provided aspiring writers, filmmakers and actors with opportunities for hands-on learning and interaction, while creating a platform to connect local creative talent with the wider national and global film industry. Reflecting on the successful conclusion of the festival, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described IFFJK as a clear declaration of intent by Jammu & Kashmir to establish itself as an important destination for filmmaking. He said the initiative, supported by the J&K Film Policy, reflects the administration’s commitment to welcoming filmmakers from across the country and around the world. The Chief Minister emphasised the need to develop a strong, year-round film ecosystem in J&K that can support visiting filmmakers while providing sustained opportunities for local writers, directors, actors and other professionals associated with the creative industry. The successful inaugural edition of IFFJK has thus laid the foundation for a broader vision aimed at positioning Jammu & Kashmir on the national and global cinematic map, while enabling the region’s emerging creative talent to find greater opportunities within the film industry. ANB