SRINAGAR: The Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) on Thursday announced the IFFJK Emerging Filmmakers Competition-2026, inviting aspiring filmmakers from Jammu and Kashmir to submit original short films as part of the inaugural International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK).
Registrations for the competition opened on August 6. The initiative aims to identify and promote emerging filmmaking talent from the Union Territory by providing a platform to showcase creativity, storytelling and technical skills.
The competition is open exclusively to residents of Jammu and Kashmir. Participants must be between 18 and 39 years of age as on September 1, 2026, and possess a valid domicile certificate.
Entries should be original short films with a maximum duration of five minutes. The last date for submission is **August 26, 2026**.
This year’s competition is based on the theme, “Rang-e-Cinema: Frames of a New Jammu & Kashmir,” highlighting the region’s evolving cultural, social and creative narratives while encouraging young filmmakers to present compelling stories through cinema.
Interested filmmakers and cinematographers can register through the official IFFJK website, where detailed guidelines, eligibility criteria and the registration process have also been made available.
The DIPR said the competition is intended to strengthen Jammu and Kashmir’s growing film culture by encouraging innovative and impactful storytelling among young filmmakers.
