Omar Unveils Vision for First International Film Festival in J&K, Aims to Restore Kashmir's Cinematic Glory

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah exuded confidence that the forthcoming maiden film festival in the Valley would mark the beginning of a renewed partnership between J&K and the film industry.Speaking at a curtain-raiser event for the first International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK), Omar Abdullah described the forthcoming festival as a landmark initiative to revive Jammu and Kashmir's historic association with cinema and establish J&K as a preferred destination for filmmaking.Recalling a time when Kashmir was an integral part of Indian cinema, he said, "There was a time when Bollywood and Kashmir were synonymous. No film was considered complete unless it had at least one sequence shot in the Valley. Even if an entire film was not shot here, it would at least feature one memorable song."Highlighting the vision behind IFFJK, Omar Abdullahsaid the festival seeks to rebuild that historic bond while creating new opportunities for local talent, strengthening the creative economy, and showcasing Jammu and Kashmir to audiences across the world."Our loss has been many other countries' gain. Had Kashmir remained consistently open for filmmaking, many productions that went elsewhere would have continued to come here. Today, we stand at the cusp of rebuilding that relationship," he said.The Chief Minister stressed that the government is working to create a filmmaker-friendly ecosystem by simplifying procedures, reducing production costs, and developing a skilled local workforce to support film production."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, adding that the necessary groundwork had already begun.Referring to filmmaker Muzaffar Ali's long-awaited project Zooni, Omar Abdullah expressed happiness that the unfinished work had now been completed by Muzaffar Ali's son. Originally conceived in the late 1980s with Vinod Khanna and Dimple Kapadia in the lead roles, he said the film would present Kashmir in a way it had not been seen over the past four decades."If what has been completed carries even a fraction of the vision with which it was originally conceived, it will showcase Kashmir in a way it has not been presented for decades. Screening it at a film festival in Kashmir would elevate the festival to an entirely different level," he said.Expressing confidence that IFFJK would become a permanent fixture on the global film calendar, the chief minister said the government envisions it evolving into an internationally recognised film festival, with parallel screenings in Jammu and Gulmarg."This is the first, but certainly not the last. Great film festivals acquire an identity and brand of their own. We hope that, in the years ahead, the International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir will stand alongside the finest festivals in the country and eventually earn recognition among the best in the world," he said.The chief minister also welcomed the decision to keep Srinagar Airport operational during the festival period, saying it had removed a major logistical concern and would ensure the smooth participation of filmmakers, artists, and guests from across the country and abroad.He thanked Muzaffar Ali, Imtiaz Ali, and Sajid Ali for supporting the initiative and for their longstanding association with Jammu and Kashmir."Your presence here is encouraging not merely because of your words but because your actions over the years have demonstrated your deep association with Jammu and Kashmir. Your support gives this initiative tremendous strength, and we look forward to welcoming you all back for the festival in September," he said.The curtain-raiser was a historic occasion for J&KAddressing the gathering, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo said the curtain-raiser ceremony was a historic occasion that reminded everyone of the long-standing partnership between Jammu and Kashmir and Bollywood. He added that the platform would help strengthen and renew this bond.The chief secretary also said that J&K has a goldmine of talent and potential, and such platforms are needed to provide budding filmmakers with opportunities to showcase their creativity."Kashmir has held a special place for Bollywood."Padma Shri awardee and noted filmmaker Muzaffar Ali, while speaking on the occasion, said Kashmir has held a special place in Bollywood since its early days. He also recalled his association with Kashmir while shooting several memorable films in the region.In his address, renowned filmmaker and writer Imtiaz Ali said Kashmiri youth are among the brightest in terms of talent. He also reminisced about his association with Kashmir while shooting several Bollywood blockbusters in the Valley."400 entries from over 25 countries received"Earlier, in her welcome address, Director of Information Shreya Singhal said the curtain-raiser ceremony would set the stage for the homecoming of cinema to Jammu and Kashmir.The director of information said the film festival aims to establish J&K as a premier film-shooting destination in the country. She added that around 400 entries from more than 25 countries across different categories had been received for screening during the festival and that submissions would remain open until July 30, 2026.During the event, the chief minister also unveiled the official merchandise of the film festival.Pertinently, the first International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK), scheduled to be held from September 7 to 10, 2026, is envisioned as a premier platform celebrating cinema, culture, and creativity while showcasing the region's breathtaking landscapes, artistic heritage, and emerging filmmaking ecosystem. The festival is expected to bring together filmmakers, artists, industry leaders, and cinema enthusiasts from India and across the world, reaffirming Jammu and Kashmir's place on the global cinematic map.