Government Committed to Making Jammu & Kashmir a Preferred Global Film Destination; IFFJK to Showcase Local Talent, Culture and Creative Economy
Srinagar, July 24 :
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday presided over the curtain raiser ceremony of the First International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) at the Royal Springs Golf Course, Srinagar, describing the festival as a landmark initiative aimed at reviving Jammu and Kashmir’s historic association with cinema and positioning the Union Territory as a preferred destination for national and international film production.
The event witnessed the participation of Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Padma Shri award-winning filmmaker Muzaffar Ali, noted filmmaker and writer Imtiaz Ali, filmmaker Sajid Ali, Director Information Shreya Singhal, Secretary Information Munir-ul-Islam, Secretary Royal Springs Golf Course Haris Ahmad Handoo, Joint Director Information Shahnawaz Bukhari, senior government officials and prominent members of the film fraternity.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the International Film Festival marks the beginning of a renewed partnership between Jammu & Kashmir and the Indian film industry, recalling the era when Kashmir served as one of Bollywood’s most iconic shooting destinations.
“There was a time when Bollywood and Kashmir were synonymous. Hardly any film was considered complete without a sequence or a memorable song filmed in the Valley. The festival is an effort to restore that historic relationship while creating fresh opportunities for local artists and filmmakers,” the Chief Minister said.
He observed that Kashmir’s prolonged absence from the filmmaking landscape had benefited other destinations across the world, adding that the government is determined to reclaim the Valley’s rightful place on the global cinematic map.
The Chief Minister said the government is actively working towards creating a filmmaker-friendly ecosystem by simplifying permission procedures, reducing production costs and developing a skilled local workforce capable of supporting modern film production.
“We want to make it easier, faster and more affordable for filmmakers to shoot in Jammu & Kashmir while ensuring our youth acquire the necessary skills to become an integral part of the film industry. The groundwork for this transformation has already begun,” he said.
Highlighting the significance of filmmaker Muzaffar Ali’s long-awaited project Zooni, Omar Abdullah expressed satisfaction that the unfinished film had finally been completed by Muzaffar Ali’s son. Originally planned during the late 1980s with Vinod Khanna and Dimple Kapadia in lead roles, the Chief Minister said the film is expected to portray Kashmir in a manner unseen over the past four decades.
He expressed hope that Zooni would be screened during the International Film Festival, saying such a presentation would significantly enhance the stature of the event.
The Chief Minister also voiced confidence that the International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir would evolve into one of the country’s premier cinematic events, eventually earning global recognition. He said future editions are expected to feature parallel screenings in Jammu and Gulmarg, making the festival a signature cultural event of the Union Territory.
Welcoming the decision to keep Srinagar Airport operational during the festival period, Omar Abdullah said the move would facilitate smooth travel for filmmakers, artists and delegates arriving from across India and abroad.
He also thanked eminent filmmakers Muzaffar Ali, Imtiaz Ali and Sajid Ali for extending their support to the initiative and for maintaining their longstanding association with Jammu & Kashmir.
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo described the curtain raiser as a historic occasion that revives Jammu & Kashmir’s enduring relationship with Bollywood. He said the Union Territory possesses immense artistic talent and such platforms would enable young filmmakers to showcase their creativity before national and international audiences.
Padma Shri awardee Muzaffar Ali said Kashmir has always occupied a special place in Indian cinema and recalled his memorable experiences of shooting several acclaimed films in the Valley over the years.
Renowned filmmaker Imtiaz Ali also praised the talent of Kashmiri youth, describing them among the brightest creative minds in the country. He shared memories of filming several successful Bollywood productions in Kashmir and expressed confidence in the region’s growing filmmaking potential.
Earlier, Director Information Shreya Singhal, while delivering the welcome address, said the curtain raiser marks the symbolic homecoming of cinema to Jammu & Kashmir. She informed the gathering that nearly 400 film entries from more than 25 countries have already been received across various categories for the inaugural festival, while submissions will remain open until July 30, 2026.
During the event, the Chief Minister also unveiled the official merchandise of the International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir.
The First International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) is scheduled to be held from September 7 to 10, 2026, and aims to celebrate cinema, culture and creativity while showcasing the region’s breathtaking landscapes, artistic heritage and emerging filmmaking ecosystem. The festival is expected to bring together filmmakers, artists, industry leaders and cinema enthusiasts from across India and the world, reaffirming Jammu & Kashmir’s position as an emerging global destination for cinema and creative excellence.