The first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir is bringing films, filmmakers, students, and cinema lovers together in Srinagar. The four-day event, themed Rang-e-Cinema or Colours of Cinema, runs from Sep 7 to 10, 2026. It features 135 movies from more than 40 countries.  The festival aims to promote Jammu and Kashmir as a filmmaking destination while giving local students and artists a chance to learn from cinema professionals.

Students Join Film Screenings and Masterclasses

Many college students attended Day 2 of the International Film Festival at the SKICC (Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre) in Srinagar. They watched Indian and international films and joined sessions on filmmaking, animation, screenplay writing, and artificial intelligence. The workshops gave students a chance to learn directly from directors, writers, cinematographers, and animation experts. For many young people in Kashmir, the event created a valuable space to understand the film industry and develop their storytelling skills.

Films From Around the World Are Screened in Srinagar

The Srinagar film festival screened films from India, Malaysia, Iran, Portugal, Indonesia, Mexico, and other countries. The festival presents short movies, documentaries, and full-length movies. A special floating cinema on Dal Lake made the event even more memorable and highlighted Kashmir’s beautiful locations for film events.

AI and Animation Can Help Preserve Kashmir’s Heritage

The festival also hosted a discussion on using artificial intelligence and animation to preserve Jammu and Kashmir’s heritage and visual identity. Experts explained that AI can support heritage projects only when artists and researchers first document local art forms, stories, designs, and cultural traditions properly. This work can help future generations understand and protect Kashmir’s rich cultural history.

Five Kashmiri Films Enter the Competition Section

The J&K Select Section showcases five films made by local filmmakers. These films explore local stories, identity, memory, family, heritage, and social change. The selected movies are:

• Searching for the Grandpa
• Arifa
• Batt Koch 
• Tasrufdaar 
• Naqsh-e-Daur

This section gives Kashmiri filmmakers an important platform to share their work with wider audiences.

Festival Takes Cinema Beyond Srinagar

Film screenings are taking place at INOX in Srinagar, Wave Complex in Jammu, and Gulmarg. The event brings global cinema to the region while showcasing Kashmir’s landscapes, culture, and creative talent.

The J&K International Film Festival 2026 gives students, local filmmakers, and audiences a chance to connect with stories from around the world. It also helps position Jammu and Kashmir as a promising destination for films, creative exchange, and cultural tourism.

If you are planning international flights to India, explore Indian Eagle deals for affordable fares and convenient travel options.

The post Kashmir Lights Up With Global Cinema at Its First International Film Festival appeared first on Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration, Tips and News | Travel Diary.