Kashmir to host its first international film festival with 41 countries

What Happened

The Jammu and Kashmir government, through its Information and Public Relations department, announced that Kashmir will host its first international film festival, Rang-e-Cinema, from September 7 to 10. The event aims to position Jammu and Kashmir as an international destination for cinema, filmmaking, collaboration and cultural exchange. A panel of five jurors will oversee the festival, including Santosh Sivan, Resul Pookutty, Dorothee Wenner, Keiko Bang, and Himansu Sekhar Khatua. The festival received more than 1,100 submissions from over 80 countries, with 135 entries from 41 countries shortlisted for the event. From India, 64 entries were chosen; France contributed 13; Iran contributed eight, with additional representation from Türkiye, Germany, Russia, Sweden, Spain, Brazil, Qatar, Argentina, the United States, South Korea, Colombia and Taiwan. The screenings will occur at multiple venues in Srinagar and Jammu, including the Sheri Kashmir International Convention Centre, INOX PVR in Srinagar, Waves Cinema in Jammu, and the Gulmarg health resort. The government plans to install a floating screen on Dal Lake to enable Shikara riders to watch films, and 50 civil service officers were appointed as liaison officers for visiting dignitaries. The festival program includes a three-day schedule featuring leading filmmakers and industry professionals, and it will also showcase Jammu and Kashmir handicrafts, handloom, cuisine, music and traditional arts and culture. The event has nine prize categories with a total prize pool of Rs 96 lakh, including Best Film (Rs 25 lakh), Best Director and Best Debut Director (Rs 15 lakh each), Best Film – J&K Select (Rs 10 lakh), Best Actor (Rs 8 lakh for both male and female), and Rs 5 lakh each for Best Cinematography, Best Sound Design and Best Editing.

Why It Matters

The festival signifies a strategic effort to reframe Jammu and Kashmir as a hub for global cinema and cultural exchange, potentially expanding film tourism and local opportunities for talent. The event’s international jury and broad country participation reflect an intent to integrate regional cinema with global industry networks. The floating screen on Dal Lake represents an innovative engagement tactic aimed at enhancing the tourist experience during screenings and could set a precedent for future outdoor or waterborne cinema experiences in the region. The prize structure signals a commitment to supporting both local and international creative work within a three-day program.

Background

Kashmir has a history of attracting Hindi film shoots, with productions like Kashmir ki Kali, Kabhie Kabhie, Highway, and Raazi linked to its landscapes. The region had not hosted an international film festival before this initiative, which is being organized by the government’s Information and Public Relations department. The event follows years of cinema activity in the valley and aims to rebuild the region’s relationship with cinema while promoting film tourism and cultural exchange.

Key Facts

• Festival name: Rang-e-Cinema
• Dates: September 7–10 (three-day program)
• Location: Srinagar and Jammu venues, including SKICC, INOX PVR, Waves Cinema, and Gulmarg health resort
• Shortlisted entries: 135 from 41 countries
• Country counts among shortlisted: 64 from India, 13 from France, 8 from Iran; other countries include Türkiye, Germany, Russia, Sweden, Spain, Brazil, Qatar, Argentina, United States, South Korea, Colombia, Taiwan
• Floating screen planned on Dal Lake for Shikara riders
• Jury: Santosh Sivan, Resul Pookutty, Dorothee Wenner, Keiko Bang, Himansu Sekhar Khatua
• 9 prize categories total prize pool: Rs 96 lakh
• Best Film prize: Rs 25 lakh
• Best Director and Best Debut Director prizes: Rs 15 lakh each
• Best Film – J&K Select: Rs 10 lakh
• Best Actor (male and female): Rs 8 lakh each
• Best Cinematography, Best Sound Design, Best Editing: Rs 5 lakh each
• Official liaison framework: 50 civil service officers appointed for visiting dignitaries

What Happens Next

The festival is scheduled to take place in early September, with venues hosting screenings and related programming across Srinagar and Jammu. Organizers plan to use the event to showcase local handicrafts, handloom, cuisine and cultural heritage alongside the film program. The next steps include coordinating with delegations, managing the screening slate at multiple venues, and implementing the floating screen arrangement on Dal Lake to accommodate festival attendees and tourists.