Omar Abdullah Launches Curtain Raiser for J&K International Film Festival, Pledges to Restore Kashmir as a Global Filmmaking Destination
Srinagar, July 24: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday presided over the curtain raiser ceremony for the inaugural International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK), describing the upcoming event as a landmark initiative aimed at reviving the region's historic association with cinema and positioning Jammu and Kashmir as a preferred destination for film production.
The event, held at the Royal Springs Golf Course in Srinagar, was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Padma Shri awardee and eminent filmmaker Muzaffar Ali, acclaimed filmmaker and writer Imtiaz Ali, filmmaker Sajid Ali, Director Information Shreya Singhal, Secretary Information Munir-ul-Islam, senior government officials and members of the film fraternity.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the festival marks the beginning of a renewed partnership between Jammu and Kashmir and the Indian film industry, recalling a time when the Valley was one of Bollywood's most sought-after filming locations.
"There was a time when Kashmir and Bollywood were synonymous. Almost every major film featured the Valley, making it an integral part of Indian cinema," he said.
Omar Abdullah said the International Film Festival aims to rebuild that historic relationship while creating fresh opportunities for local talent, strengthening the creative economy and showcasing Jammu and Kashmir's cultural and scenic richness to audiences across the globe.
He asserted that the government is committed to creating a filmmaker-friendly ecosystem by simplifying administrative procedures, reducing production costs and developing a skilled local workforce to support film productions.
"We want to make Jammu and Kashmir an easier, more affordable and more attractive destination for filmmakers while ensuring our youth are equipped with the skills required by the industry," the Chief Minister said.
Referring to filmmaker Muzaffar Ali's long-awaited film Zooni, Omar Abdullah expressed satisfaction that the project, originally conceived in the late 1980s, has finally been completed by the filmmaker's son. He said the film is expected to present Kashmir in a unique light and would be an ideal feature for screening during the festival.
Expressing confidence in the future of the event, the Chief Minister said the government envisions the International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir evolving into a globally recognised annual platform, with future editions expanding through parallel screenings in Jammu and Gulmarg.
He also welcomed the decision to keep Srinagar Airport operational during the festival, saying it would facilitate the smooth arrival of filmmakers, artists and delegates from across India and abroad.
The Chief Minister thanked Muzaffar Ali, Imtiaz Ali and Sajid Ali for their continued support towards promoting Jammu and Kashmir as a filmmaking destination and expressed hope of welcoming them again during the festival in September.
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo described the curtain raiser as a historic occasion that rekindles Jammu and Kashmir's longstanding association with Bollywood. He said the Union Territory possesses immense creative talent and that the festival would provide an important platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their work.
Padma Shri awardee Muzaffar Ali recalled Kashmir's enduring place in Indian cinema and reflected on his memorable experiences of filming in the Valley over the years.
Renowned filmmaker Imtiaz Ali praised the talent and creativity of Kashmiri youth, recalling his own association with the region during the filming of several successful Bollywood productions.
In her welcome address, Director Information Shreya Singhal said the festival represents the homecoming of cinema to Jammu and Kashmir and is intended to establish the Union Territory as one of India's premier film shooting destinations.
She informed that nearly 400 film entries from over 25 countries have already been received across different categories for screening during the festival, while submissions will remain open until July 30, 2026.
During the ceremony, the Chief Minister also unveiled the official merchandise of the International Film Festival.
The first International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) is scheduled to be held from September 7 to 10, 2026, and is expected to bring together filmmakers, artists, industry leaders and cinema enthusiasts from India and abroad, celebrating cinema, culture and creativity while reinforcing Jammu and Kashmir's position on the global cinematic map. ANB
