IFFJK 2026: 135 Films From 41 Countries, ₹96 Lakh Prize Purse

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- Jammu and Kashmir is set to host its first International Film Festival from September 7 to 10, with 135 films from 41 countries scheduled to be screened during the four-day event.

The International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK 2026) will feature films from diverse cinematic traditions, alongside competitions, masterclasses, cultural performances and industry interactions.

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Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Thursday reviewed preparations for the festival and directed departments and agencies involved in the event to ensure close coordination for its smooth conduct.

The festival carries a total prize purse of ₹96 lakh across nine award categories. The Best Film award carries ₹25 lakh, while Best Director and Best Debut Film of a Director will receive ₹15 lakh each.

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The Best Film – J&K Select category carries a prize of ₹10 lakh. Best Actor (Male) and Best Actor (Female) will receive ₹8 lakh each, while Best Cinematography, Best Sound Design and Best Editing carry ₹5 lakh each.

India has the largest representation in the festival with 64 films, followed by France with 13 and Iran with eight. Argentina and Spain will contribute four films each, while Brazil, Germany, Russia and the United States will have three films each.

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Films from countries including South Korea, Sweden, Taiwan, Qatar, Colombia and Türkiye will also feature in the festival programme.

A floating screen is being installed on Dal Lake near the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), providing an open-air screening experience against the backdrop of the lake.

The festival will also feature a three-day masterclass series for aspiring filmmakers, students and cinema enthusiasts. The programme will include sessions with director Vidhu Vinod Chopra, editor Namrata Rao, sound designer Baylon Fonseca, actor and National School of Drama alumnus Chitranjan Tripathi, filmmaker Supriyo Sen and cinematographer Anil Mehta, among others.

A workshop by Canon is also planned to showcase camera equipment and technology to students and cinema enthusiasts.

During the review meeting, Director Information and Public Relations Shreya Singhal briefed officials about the festival's international participation, programming and outreach plans.

The event will also feature opening and closing ceremonies with performances by national and local artists, aimed at showcasing Jammu and Kashmir's cultural heritage alongside contemporary artistic expression.

Officials said publicity and branding for the festival is being undertaken through social media, national and local media platforms and outdoor promotional campaigns.

Dulloo directed the divisional and district administrations and other concerned agencies to ensure professional arrangements covering hospitality, protocol, venue management, security, civic amenities, transportation and public outreach.

He also asked the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) to make efforts to bring more acclaimed filmmakers, actors and other prominent personalities from the film industry to Jammu and Kashmir.

The administration has envisaged IFFJK as an annual international event, with the inaugural edition intended to establish standards for programming, organisation and audience engagement.

The maiden IFFJK is being positioned as an effort to put Jammu and Kashmir on the international cinematic map and showcase the region's culture, stories and creative talent to audiences in India and abroad.

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