SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Monday said the International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) would help put the Union Territory on the global cinematic map by showcasing its landscapes, cultural heritage and creative talent to filmmakers and audiences from across the world.
Dulloo was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of IFFJK-2026, held at INOX Multiplex in Srinagar under the theme “Rang-e-Cinema”.
Welcoming filmmakers, delegates and cinema enthusiasts, the Chief Secretary described the event as the first international film festival being hosted in Jammu and Kashmir and said it marked a new chapter in the region’s engagement with the global film fraternity.
He said Jammu and Kashmir had shared a “long and special relationship” with cinema, with its landscapes featuring in several memorable Hindi films, including Kashmir Ki Kali, Junglee, Betaab and Kabhi Kabhie.
“The festival represents an opportunity to take this longstanding relationship to a new level by bringing the global film fraternity to Jammu and Kashmir and creating a platform for meaningful engagement, creative exchange and collaboration,” Dulloo said.
Highlighting the international response to the festival, he said entries had been received from more than 80 countries, reflecting the growing potential of J&K as a destination for global cinematic engagement.
Dulloo said cinema should not be viewed merely as entertainment but as a powerful medium for promoting tourism, showcasing cultural heritage and building connections between people and cultures.
He said the festival could serve as a bridge between audiences and cultures across the world, while providing young people in J&K opportunities to tell their stories through cinema.
The Chief Secretary also highlighted the region’s pool of creative talent, saying J&K has aspiring writers, actors, singers, composers and musicians who need platforms to showcase their abilities.
He expressed hope that IFFJK would create opportunities for young and emerging talent to interact with established filmmakers and creative professionals from India and abroad, leading to new ideas and collaborations.
The cinematic proceedings began with the screening of “Dead Dog”, directed by Lebanon’s Sarah Francis, as the opening film in the International Competition category.
A total of 135 films have been shortlisted for screening during the four-day festival at venues across Jammu and Kashmir.
The festival is also expected to give visiting filmmakers an opportunity to experience J&K first-hand while highlighting its natural landscapes, cultural heritage and potential as a filmmaking and film-tourism destination.
Dulloo expressed hope that the festival would generate meaningful conversations, new friendships and lasting creative collaborations between filmmakers from J&K, India and abroad.
Commissioner Secretary, Information; Commissioner Secretary, Education; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Deputy Commissioner Srinagar; Director Information and other senior officers of the divisional and district administration were present at the inaugural ceremony.
With the opening ceremony and first screening completed, IFFJK-2026 will continue over the next four days with film screenings, discussions and other cinematic engagements under the theme “Rang-e-Cinema”.
