SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday inaugurated the first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), describing the event as a new chapter in the region’s longstanding association with cinema.
The four-day festival is witnessing participation from filmmakers, artists and delegates from more than 30 countries, with over 130 films scheduled to be screened.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Omar said the festival was not merely a celebration of cinema but an assertion that Jammu and Kashmir was ready to welcome filmmakers and creative professionals from across the world.
“Today, as we launch this festival, bringing together filmmakers from over 30 countries and showcasing over 130 extraordinary films, we are not just opening a cinema event. We are opening a new chapter in the longstanding romance between Jammu & Kashmir and the silver screen,” he said.
Describing Kashmir as a place where stories are “born”, the Chief Minister said the region offered filmmakers much more than scenic locations.
“We are declaring to the world that Kashmir is not just a location on a call sheet; it is a creative sanctuary, a home for global storytellers, and a voice that is ready to speak to the world,” he said.
Recalling Jammu and Kashmir’s deep imprint on Indian cinema, Omar referred to iconic films including *Junglee*, *Kashmir Ki Kali*, *Aradhana* and *Bobby*, saying the landscapes of Gulmarg and Dal Lake had become part of the visual imagination of generations.
He also highlighted the contribution of filmmaker Yash Chopra, saying directors such as Chopra had “built a visual language” around Kashmir through films including *Silsila*, *Kabhi Kabhie* and *Jab Tak Hai Jaan*.
The Chief Minister also mentioned more recent films such as *Mission Kashmir*, *Haider*, *Rockstar*, *Highway* and *Bajrangi Bhaijaan*, saying cinema in the region had increasingly moved beyond conventional representations to explore deeper human narratives.
### ‘Do not just film our mountains; seek out our stories’
Omar urged filmmakers attending the festival to explore Jammu and Kashmir’s culture, people and traditions instead of limiting their work to its scenic beauty.
“Cinema is more than landscapes; cinema is culture. And the true beauty of Jammu and Kashmir lies in its soul—its cultural ethos, built on Kashmiriyat, warmth, hospitality, and a rich artistic tradition,” he said.
Highlighting the region’s traditions of music, crafts and storytelling, he referred to the Santoor, Rabab, Sufiyana Kalam, Rouff, walnut wood carving and carpet weaving, besides its culinary and cultural traditions.
“When you bring your cameras to Jammu and Kashmir, do not just film our mountains. Seek out our stories. Talk to our artisans, listen to our musicians, walk through our old city lanes, and let the living, breathing culture of this land infuse your narratives,” he said.
### J&K offers single-window clearance, incentives
The Chief Minister said the government’s Jammu and Kashmir Film Policy had sought to transform the region from a filming location into a filmmaker-friendly destination.
He highlighted the single-window clearance system introduced under the policy, allowing filmmakers to seek shooting permissions, location approvals and security coordination through a streamlined online mechanism.
The policy also provides financial incentives and production subsidies linked to shooting days and local expenditure, while encouraging productions to employ local artists, technicians and crew.
“We are building a robust local workforce of cinematographers, line producers, sound engineers, and actors so that you can arrive with a script and find everything else right here,” Omar said.
He added that the government planned to invest in modern post-production facilities, equipment banks, film studios and film education institutions to create a complete production ecosystem in J&K.
### ‘This festival belongs to our young people’
Calling IFFJK a “declaration of intent”, Omar said the festival would provide young people of Jammu and Kashmir an opportunity to interact with filmmakers and creative professionals from across the world.
“Your stories matter. Your voices matter. The world is listening, and now, the world’s screen is right here in your home,” he said.
He urged national and international delegates to carry the experience of Jammu and Kashmir back with them and convey to fellow filmmakers that the region was ready to host film crews and productions.
“Tell your fellow filmmakers that Kashmir is open, safe, vibrant, and eager to welcome your crews,” he said.
The Chief Minister formally declared the first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir open.
Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Dr Jitendra Singh, several Governors and Lieutenant Governors, members of the Council of Ministers, former J&K Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah, members of the J&K Legislative Assembly, filmmakers, eminent artists, jury members and other distinguished guests attended the inaugural ceremony.
