SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday launched the curtain raiser for the first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK), saying the initiative is aimed at reviving the region’s historic association with cinema and positioning Jammu and Kashmir as a preferred destination for film production.
Addressing the event at the Royal Springs Golf Course in Srinagar, Omar said the festival marks the beginning of a renewed partnership between Jammu and Kashmir and the film industry, recalling a time when the Valley was a regular backdrop for Indian cinema.
“There was a time when filmmaking in Bollywood and Kashmir was synonymous. No film was considered complete unless it had at least one sequence shot in the Valley,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the government intends to create a filmmaker-friendly ecosystem by simplifying permissions, reducing production costs and developing a skilled local workforce to support film shoots.
“We need to make it easier for filmmakers to come here, cheaper for them to shoot here, and ensure that our young people are equipped with the skills required to support filmmaking activities,” he said.
Omar said the festival is expected to strengthen the creative economy, provide opportunities to local artists and technicians and showcase Jammu and Kashmir to global audiences. He said many film productions had shifted to other destinations over the years and expressed hope that the region would regain its place on the cinematic map.
Referring to filmmaker Muzaffar Ali’s long-pending project *Zooni*, the Chief Minister said he was pleased that the film had now been completed by the filmmaker’s son. Originally conceived in the late 1980s with Vinod Khanna and Dimple Kapadia in lead roles, Omar said the film presents Kashmir in a way audiences have not seen for decades and hoped it would be screened during the festival.
He also expressed confidence that the International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir would become a permanent annual event and eventually earn international recognition. Omar said the government also plans to hold parallel screenings in Jammu and Gulmarg in future editions.
Welcoming the decision to keep Srinagar Airport operational during the festival period, the Chief Minister said it would facilitate the participation of filmmakers, artists and delegates from across India and abroad.
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo said the festival would help revive Jammu and Kashmir’s long-standing association with Bollywood while providing a platform for emerging filmmakers from the region.
Filmmakers Muzaffar Ali, Imtiaz Ali and Sajid Ali, who attended the event, highlighted Kashmir’s enduring relationship with Indian cinema and expressed optimism about the region’s growing filmmaking ecosystem.
Director Information Shreya Singhal said nearly 400 film entries from more than 25 countries have been received for the festival so far. She said submissions will remain open until July 30.
During the event, the Chief Minister unveiled the official merchandise for the film festival.
The first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir is scheduled to be held from September 7 to 10. The festival aims to bring together filmmakers, artists, industry professionals and cinema enthusiasts while showcasing the region’s landscapes, culture and emerging creative talent.
