The Jammu International Film Festival (JIFF) is set to unfold its fifth edition on September 28 and 29 in Jammu, promising a vibrant celebration of cinema and culture. The festival aims to showcase both national and international filmmakers, while also placing a special emphasis on nurturing local talent from the Jammu and Kashmir region. The event will feature a diverse array of film screenings, interactive sessions, and curated cinematic experiences, according to organizers.
Information reaching TahirRihat.com suggests that this year’s edition marks a significant milestone, reflecting the festival’s sustained growth and its increasing importance in the region’s cultural landscape. Organizers are committed to promoting art and culture through such initiatives.
Submissions for the festival will be accepted online through FilmFreeway, starting this Wednesday. The festival’s journey began as a passionate initiative. Now, with JIFF completing five editions and, along with the International Film Festival of Srinagar (TIFFS), reaching a total of nine film festival editions in Jammu and Kashmir, it has evolved into a sustained movement, festival organizers noted.
Senior actor Kusum Tikoo, who has been involved with the festival since its beginning, emphasized that the platform has developed into a crucial cultural event in the region. She noted the participation expected from filmmakers across India and abroad. Tikoo added that the festival continues its journey of celebrating cinematic excellence while strengthening the cultural fabric of Jammu and Kashmir.
The fourth edition of the festival, held in conjunction with TIFFS, was previously inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Aquaplex Crown, Bagh-e-Bahu, highlighting the festival’s growing importance. Festival director Rakesh Roshan Bhat expressed gratitude to stakeholders, adding that this achievement is driven by dedication and shared support, and the milestone belongs to the entire creative community.
A notable addition to this year’s festival is the introduction of a Rs 1 lakh award for ‘Best Local Production’. Organizers said the award aims to encourage regional filmmaking and empower filmmakers from Jammu and Kashmir, as well as provide them with a platform to showcase their work.
Festival advisor Amit Wanchoo commented that the event has matured into a credible platform, embracing meaningful cinema and reflecting both the dedication of organizers and increasing interest in quality storytelling. The press conference announcing the festival details was attended by various members of the cultural and media community, including Bindhya Raina, Bharti Kaul, King C Bharti, Kamaksha Dogra, Suman Bhat, and Gulfam Barjee, among others. Organizers reiterated the festival’s dedication to celebrating cinematic excellence while enriching the cultural fabric of Jammu and Kashmir.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.