J&K CM Omar Abdullah Plans Revival Of Film Production In Kashmir Valley

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said that his government aims to restore Kashmir’s historic role in cinematic production, as preparations begin for the proposed 1st International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) 2026. The initiative is being positioned as a major cultural and economic platform designed to revive the region’s long-standing association with Indian and global cinema.

Chairing a high-level review meeting in Srinagar, the Chief Minister assessed the preparations for the upcoming festival, which is scheduled to be held in September 2026. The discussions covered key aspects such as festival vision, programming structure, branding strategy, digital outreach, international participation, and potential partnerships with global film institutions. Officials also presented plans for screenings, logistics, and audience engagement across multiple venues.

According to a detailed presentation by the Directorate of Information & Public Relations, the festival is expected to feature a wide range of categories including international competition films, Indian cinema, documentaries, short films, student productions, animation, and regional films. The event will also include industry forums, workshops, masterclasses, and cultural programmes aimed at fostering creative exchange between Indian and international film professionals.

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CM Omar Abdullah stressed that the festival should go beyond being a cinematic event and evolve into a platform that strengthens tourism, investment, employment, and the broader creative economy in Jammu and Kashmir. He said the region should once again be recognised as a preferred destination for filmmakers and encouraged deeper integration of local talent into the global film industry ecosystem.

The Chief Minister also directed that local artists, technicians, writers, designers, and craftsmen be actively involved in the festival through exhibitions, networking sessions, and professional collaborations. He emphasised the importance of structured interactions between local creators and international industry experts to provide exposure, training, and global opportunities for emerging talent from the region.

The proposed festival will also include special segments to honour filmmakers and artists who have contributed to promoting Kashmir’s cinematic legacy over the decades. Officials said the event will feature an AI-enabled digital platform, including a website and mobile application, to manage submissions, registrations, scheduling, and outreach. With global participation expected, the festival is being projected as a landmark step in positioning Jammu and Kashmir as a hub for cinematic tourism and creative industries.

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