The fifth edition of the Jammu Film Festival has garnered significant international attention, receiving 180 submissions from filmmakers across 35 countries before the July 31 deadline. Organizers announced on Friday that this overwhelming response underscores the festival’s growing stature as a platform for global cinema in North India.
The submissions comprise a diverse array of cinematic works, including 130 short films, 35 documentaries, and 17 feature films. These entries represent a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and filmmaking traditions from around the world. Organizers anticipate further submissions before the closing date, highlighting the festival’s increasing appeal within the independent film community.
The milestone fifth edition of the Jammu Film Festival is slated to take place on September 28-29 in Jammu. Jury head Kapil Mattoo informed reporters that the festival continues its mission of connecting Jammu with the international film community, solidifying its position as a leading cinematic event in North India. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the quality, diversity, and global reach of the submitted films reflect the festival’s enhanced recognition among independent filmmakers.
Presented jointly by Vomedh and Koshurwood Studio, the festival aims to convene filmmakers, delegates, artists, and cinema enthusiasts from both India and abroad. Mattoo indicated that delegates from various nations, including the United States, have expressed keen interest in attending the event. Furthermore, discussions are reportedly underway with performers from Singapore for the festival’s cultural program, signaling a broad international engagement.
Festival directors Rakesh Roshan Bhat and Rohit Bhat articulated that the festival was established with the core vision of creating a cultural institution dedicated to linking Jammu with the global stage through the medium of cinema. Sanjeev Kak of Koshurwood Studio expressed pride in partnering with an event that has successfully evolved into a vital cultural bridge between Jammu and the international filmmaking community. He further noted that the festival’s consistent growth over its five editions is a testament to the organizers’ dedication and the region’s burgeoning appetite for meaningful cinema and cultural exchange.
In a move to ensure a robust and equitable selection process for future editions, the organizing committee has announced the implementation of a three-tier jury system for the 2026 festival. This structure is designed to uphold transparency and merit-based evaluation of submitted films.
The screening committee for the current edition includes festival directors Rakesh Roshan Bhat and Rohit Bhat, alongside Kamal Razdan, Suman Pandita, Ifra Kak, and Manzoor Mir. Following the initial screening, a review committee will undertake further evaluation. This committee comprises Rahul Sharma, Kusum Tickoo, Rani Bhan, JR Sagar, Dr. Kuldeep Raina Sudeshi, and Shadab Khan. The ultimate selection of award-winning films will be determined by a final jury, headed by filmmaker Kapil Mattoo. This esteemed jury also includes accomplished actors Vipin Sharma, Ashwath Bhatt, and Tanvir Dar, bringing a wealth of cinematic experience to the judging process.
The organizers also recalled the participation of numerous prominent figures from the Indian film industry in the festival’s first four editions. These notable personalities included M.K. Raina, Rahul Roy, Yashpal Sharma, Kashmera Shah, Deepika Singh, Ayub Khan, Lalit Parimoo, Mushtaq Kak, Mir Sarwar, and Ayaz Khan, further highlighting the festival’s growing prominence and its ability to attract established talent.
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.
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