J&K International Film Festival 2026 to Begin Sept 7; Global Jury to Evaluate 135 Shortlisted Films

Srinagar, September 6: Jammu and Kashmir is all set to host its first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) 2026, bringing together acclaimed filmmakers, cinematographers, producers, curators and cinema professionals from India and abroad.

The four-day J&K International Film Festival 2026 will be held from September 7 to 10 across Srinagar, Jammu and Gulmarg. The maiden edition has received around 1,100 film entries from 92 countries, of which 135 films have been shortlisted for screening.

J&K International Film Festival 2026 Jury

The competitive sections of IFFJK 2026 will be evaluated by a distinguished international jury comprising:

• Santosh Sivan – Acclaimed cinematographer, filmmaker, producer and actor
• Dorothee Wenner – German filmmaker, curator, writer and journalist
• Keiko Bang – Japanese media entrepreneur, documentary filmmaker, producer and curator
• Sriram Raghavan – Acclaimed Indian filmmaker and screenwriter
• Himansu Sekhar Khatua – National Film Award-winning filmmaker, director and educator

The jury will evaluate entries in the competitive sections and collectively decide the festival awards.

Santosh Sivan

Santosh Sivan is among India’s most celebrated cinematographers and filmmakers. A founding member of the Indian Society of Cinematographers, he is an alumnus of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII).

Sivan became the first cinematographer from the Asia-Pacific region to join the American Society of Cinematographers. His notable work includes The Terrorist, while his contribution to international cinema was recognised with the Pierre Angénieux Tribute at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024.

Dorothee Wenner

German filmmaker and curator Dorothee Wenner brings extensive international experience to the IFFJK jury.

She has been associated with the Berlin International Film Festival since 1990, working as a programmer and delegate for India and Sub-Saharan Africa. She was also associated with the Berlinale Talent Campus and served as its director in 2006 and 2008.

Keiko Bang

Japanese media entrepreneur, documentary filmmaker, producer and international curator Keiko Bang has more than three decades of experience in the global media industry.

She has produced more than 50 award-winning documentaries and has worked with governments, broadcasters and media organisations across more than 25 countries.

Sriram Raghavan

Filmmaker and screenwriter Sriram Raghavan is known for his distinctive neo-noir style and gripping thrillers.

His acclaimed films include Ek Hasina Thi, Johnny Gaddaar, Agent Vinod, Badlapur and Andhadhun. His work is recognised for sharp storytelling, atmospheric visuals and complex characters.

Himansu Sekhar Khatua

National Film Award-winning filmmaker, director and educator Himansu Sekhar Khatua completes the five-member jury.

An FTII alumnus, Khatua has directed films including Shunya Swaropa and Ishanu. He previously served as Director of the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) and has been associated with several prestigious film juries.

Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Ramesh Sippy to Attend IFFJK 2026

Prominent filmmakers Ramesh Sippy and Vidhu Vinod Chopra will attend the festival as special guests.

Ramesh Sippy is widely known for the iconic film Sholay, while Jammu and Kashmir-born filmmaker, producer and screenwriter Vidhu Vinod Chopra is known for films including 3 Idiots, PK and Mission Kashmir.

Their participation is expected to add further prominence to the maiden edition of the J&K International Film Festival.

IFFJK 2026 Receives 1,100 Entries From 92 Countries

According to information shared by Joint Director Information and Public Relations Kashmir Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari, the festival has received approximately 1,100 film entries from 92 countries.

Of these, 135 films from more than 40 countries have been shortlisted for screening.

Delegates associated with several shortlisted films are also expected to attend the festival.

IFFJK 2026 Dates and Venues

The International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir 2026 will take place from September 7 to September 10.

The festival will be organised across Srinagar, Jammu and Gulmarg, with screenings and activities planned at:

• SKICC, Srinagar
• INOX, Srinagar
• Wave, Jammu
• Gulmarg

The programme will include film screenings, masterclasses, panel discussions and interactive sessions for students.

Floating Cinema to Screen Iconic Kashmir-Shot Films

One of the major attractions of the festival will be the screening of iconic films shot in Kashmir at a floating cinema.

The initiative is aimed at highlighting Jammu and Kashmir’s historic association with Bollywood and showcasing the region’s potential as a destination for film tourism.

Officials said the administration wants to encourage filmmakers and Bollywood personalities to return to Jammu and Kashmir for film production.

IFFJK 2026 to Promote Film Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir

The festival is being organised by the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Jammu and Kashmir.

Officials said the initiative is aimed at reviving the historic connection between Bollywood and Jammu and Kashmir, promoting film tourism, encouraging filmmaking in the region and establishing the festival as an annual event.

The festival will also have a special category dedicated to Jammu and Kashmir films, with entries from the region shortlisted for evaluation.

J&K International Film Festival to Become Annual Event

The administration intends to institutionalise the International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir as an annual event and gradually develop it into a major international film festival.

The festival is envisioned as a cultural platform that will bring established and emerging filmmakers together while promoting cinematic excellence, cultural exchange and collaboration.

With participation from filmmakers and cinema professionals from India and abroad, IFFJK 2026 is expected to further strengthen Jammu and Kashmir’s position as a destination for filmmakers, artists, storytellers and cinema enthusiasts.(JKNS)

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