SRINAGAR: A grand cinematic resurgence is all set to sweep across the Kashmir Valley from Monday as the Union Territory plays host to the inaugural International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) 2026. Scheduled from September 7 to September 10, the four-day event will run under the vibrant theme ‘Rang-e-Cinema’, aiming to restore Kashmir’s timeless romance with cinema and cement its place on the global film tourism map.

Organised by the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Government of Jammu and Kashmir, the festival has received an extraordinary global response. Out of nearly 1,100 film submissions pouring in from 92 nations, the preview committee has shortlisted 135 films representing over 40 countries for public and jury screenings.

“The connection between Bollywood and Kashmir is a natural one. Our attempt is to bring Kashmir back into the frame. We want J&K to become the film frame itself, rather than merely being a backdrop for movies.”
— Shahnawaz Bukhari, Joint Director, DIPR

Addressing media persons, Joint Director DIPR Shahnawaz Bukhari outlined the vision of transforming IFFJK into an annual international staple. “Our goal is to institutionalise this festival on the lines of premier global platforms like the Cannes Film Festival in Europe. Sustained efforts will help anchor that vibrant festival culture right here in India,” he affirmed.

₹96 Lakh Prize Purse Across 9 Award Categories

To honour cinematic excellence, the festival carries a competitive prize purse of ₹96 lakh distributed across nine dedicated categories:

  • Best Film: ₹25,00,000 (Top Honour)
  • Best Director: ₹15,00,000
  • Best Debut Film of a Director: ₹15,00,000
  • Best Film (J&K Select): ₹10,00,000
  • Special honors across Cinema of the World, Documentary, Hybrid Documentary, and Bharat Panorama.

Beyond Screens: Floating Cinema, SKICC & Gulmarg

The festival is designed to be an immersive cultural extravaganza blending scenic splendour with storytelling. Venues across Srinagar, including the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) and INOX Cinemas, will host official film screenings, masterclasses, roundtables, and in-depth panel discussions with acclaimed directors, university professors, and media academics.

A flagship attraction for delegates will be a floating cinema experience on the iconic Dal Lake, along with an exclusive one-day itinerary in Gulmarg curated by the Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA) to showcase the resort’s hospitality, adventure infrastructure, and local handicrafts.

Quick Facts: IFFJK 2026

  • Dates: September 7 – September 10, 2026
  • Theme: ‘Rang-e-Cinema’
  • Submissions: ~1,100 films from 92 countries
  • Official Selection: 135 films from 40+ countries
  • Delegates: 300+ international & domestic film delegates
  • Total Prize Money: ₹96 Lakh
  • Key Hubs: SKICC, INOX Srinagar, Dal Lake, & Gulmarg

Empowering Local Talent & Creative Economy

Beyond red-carpet screenings, IFFJK 2026 will serve as an intellectual and skill-building bridge for youth. Over 300 delegates from around the globe will interact with emerging local talents and university students, opening doors for cross-border collaborations, production partnerships, and hands-on masterclasses.

With civic departments fine-tuning sanitation, aesthetic lighting, and healthcare logistics across Srinagar and along the Narbal-Gulmarg highway corridor, Jammu & Kashmir is poised to welcome the world of cinema with its trademark warmth and hospitality.