Srinagar, J & K : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday inaugurated the first-ever International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), set against the picturesque backdrop of Dal Lake in Srinagar.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by National Conference President and former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, Bihar Governor Atta Muhammad Hassnain, Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Dr Jitendra Singh, J&K Waqf Board Chairperson Darakshan Andrabi and several other dignitaries, filmmakers and members of the creative community.

The launch of IFFJK marks a significant milestone in Jammu and Kashmir’s enduring association with cinema and is aimed at placing the region on the global cinematic and creative map.

The inaugural festival has attracted filmmakers and cinema professionals from more than 30 countries, with over 130 films scheduled to be showcased. The diverse line-up is expected to offer audiences an opportunity to experience a wide range of international cinematic traditions, perspectives and storytelling.

The festival also seeks to highlight Jammu and Kashmir’s own rich cultural and cinematic heritage while providing a platform for local filmmakers, artists and creative professionals to interact with their counterparts from across the world.

The event is being positioned as part of efforts to promote Jammu and Kashmir as a vibrant destination for filmmakers, storytellers and creative talent. The region’s distinctive landscapes, cultural heritage and artistic traditions offer significant opportunities for cinematic productions and creative collaborations.

The international participation at the festival is also expected to encourage greater cultural exchange and create opportunities for collaborations between local and international filmmakers and artists.

With participation from over 30 countries and a showcase of more than 130 films, the first IFFJK marks a major addition to Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural calendar and signals a renewed effort to strengthen the UT connection with the global film fraternity.