SRINAGAR, Sep 8 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said the first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) marks a new chapter in the region’s long-standing association with cinema, urging filmmakers from India and abroad to rediscover the Union Territory as a safe, vibrant and film-friendly destination.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the four-day IFFJK at the Kashmir International Conference Centre, Abdullah said Jammu and Kashmir’s cinematic appeal extends beyond its picturesque landscapes and is deeply rooted in its cultural ethos of Kashmiriyat, warmth and hospitality.
He called upon national and international filmmakers attending the festival to become ambassadors of J&K and encourage film crews to return to the region.
“To our foreign and national delegates: carry a piece of Jammu and Kashmir back in your hearts. Tell your fellow filmmakers that Jammu and Kashmir is open, safe, vibrant, and eager to welcome your crews,” he said.
The Chief Minister also urged local youth to use the festival as an opportunity to showcase their stories and voices on the global stage.
“Let these four days inspire you. Your stories matter. Your voices matter. The world is listening,” he said, highlighting cinema as a universal language capable of transcending cultural and geographical boundaries.
The festival brings together filmmakers from more than 40 countries and showcases over 130 films, positioning J&K as a potential hub for global storytellers, Abdullah said.
Recalling Kashmir’s historic association with Indian cinema, he referred to iconic films and moments shot in the Valley, including Shammi Kapoor’s Junglee, Sharmila Tagore’s Kashmir Ki Kali and Yash Chopra’s Kabhi Kabhie and Silsila.
He also highlighted the evolution of filmmaking in Kashmir through films such as Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Mission Kashmir, Vishal Bhardwaj’s Haider and Imtiaz Ali’s Rockstar and Highway.
Abdullah said Kashmir’s identity as a filmmaking destination cannot rest on nostalgia or scenic beauty alone, stressing the need to develop a comprehensive ecosystem to support the industry.
He said the Government was working under the Jammu and Kashmir Film Policy to transform the UT into one of the most filmmaker-friendly destinations, including through a single-window clearance mechanism for film and location permissions and improved security arrangements.
The Government also plans to invest in modern post-production facilities, equipment banks, film studios and film education institutes to create an end-to-end production ecosystem, he said.
“We are treating cinema not merely as entertainment, but as an industry—one that generates employment, nurtures young talent, and bridges global cultures,” Abdullah said.
Former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah was also present at the inaugural ceremony and was seen enthusiastically enjoying the performances by artists, including playback singer Rani Hazarika.
The venue on the banks of Dal Lake came alive with music, lights and performances as the festival got underway.
A local resident, Yawar Ahmad, described the event as a memorable experience, saying such a large-scale programme was rarely witnessed in Kashmir.
