Jammu and Kashmir to Host First International Film Festival, ‘Frame by Frame’ Brings Storytellers Together Ahead of IFFJK-2026
Jammu, Aug 10: The Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) today organised “Frame by Frame: The Storytellers Meet” at the DIPR Media Complex in Jammu as part of preparations for the first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK-2026). The event brought together actors, directors, producers, writers, artists and other stakeholders from the film industry.
Commissioner Secretary, Information, R. Alice Vaz attended the event as the chief guest and held detailed interactions with representatives of the film and media fraternity. Senior officials including Director Information Shreya Singhal, Special Secretary Information Pawan Singh Rathore, Director Floriculture Narendra Jamwal, Director Tourism Jammu Vikas Gupta, Additional Secretary J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages Sonali Arun Gupta, and Joint Director Information Jammu Deepak Dubey were also present.
Prominent personalities from the film industry, including Padma Shri awardee Mohan Singh Salthia, actor Ajay Pal Andotra, director and producer Tariq Khan, line producer Atul Duggal, artist Kashmira Tiku, Rajesh Khajuria of Cine Association J&K, along with media representatives and writers, participated in the meet.
Addressing the gathering, Commissioner Secretary Information R. Alice Vaz described IFFJK-2026 as a significant milestone in the cultural and creative journey of the Union Territory. She said Jammu and Kashmir has a long-standing association with cinema, and the upcoming festival will not only build on this legacy but also create new opportunities for professionals associated with the film industry.
She said the suggestions and expectations shared by the film fraternity during the interaction have been noted and will be considered in future policy formulation to further strengthen and support the sector. She reiterated the government’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for filmmakers, artists and creative professionals.
Vaz added that IFFJK will go beyond film screenings and serve as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, networking and cultural exchange. She urged filmmakers, producers, directors and artists to participate in large numbers, noting that extensive arrangements are being made for screenings and related activities.
She further said the festival aims to promote quality cinema while positioning Jammu and Kashmir as an attractive destination for filmmaking and tourism. The region’s landscapes, cultural diversity and creative potential, she said, will be showcased to a global audience through cinema.
Director Information Shreya Singhal said the first edition of IFFJK marks a historic moment for Jammu and Kashmir, which has shared a deep connection with cinema for decades. She said the festival will be held from September 7 to 10, 2026, across Srinagar, Jammu and Gulmarg, and will feature participation from filmmakers, actors, writers and technicians from India and abroad.
She said the objective of the festival is to revive the filmmaking ecosystem in the region and establish Jammu and Kashmir as a global hub for cinema. It will also provide opportunities for local youth and emerging talent to connect with industry professionals, gain exposure and enhance their skills.
Singhal informed that the festival has already received an encouraging global response, with over 80 countries submitting film entries, reflecting strong international interest in Jammu and Kashmir as a cultural and cinematic destination.
The festival will feature screenings of feature films, short films and documentaries from international, national and regional cinema, along with masterclasses and technical sessions on modern filmmaking techniques. Topics such as sound design, editing, artificial intelligence in filmmaking, animation and emerging technologies will be covered by experts.
She also said a dedicated website and mobile application have been launched for registration and submissions, along with a wide-scale promotional and social media campaign to ensure global outreach. The opening and closing ceremonies will be held on September 7 and 10 respectively, with participation from leading figures of the film industry.
During the event, members of the film fraternity shared their experiences and suggestions, appreciating the government’s initiative to host an international film festival in the Union Territory. They stressed the need to ensure adequate opportunities for local artists and filmmakers.
DIPR also announced the “IFFJK Emerging Filmmakers Competition-2026”, aimed at encouraging young filmmakers from Jammu and Kashmir. Registration for the competition began on August 6, 2026, with submissions open until August 26, 2026. The initiative will provide a platform for emerging storytellers to showcase their creative vision through short films.
The first edition of IFFJK-2026, scheduled from September 7 to 10, 2026, aims to promote artistic excellence, cinematic innovation and cultural exchange while enhancing global interest in the region’s film and tourism potential. ANB
