Kashmir preps first international film festival; 'Chaar Diwaari' heads to Fantasia

Kashmir's first international film festival takes shape

At a curtain-raiser reported on July 25 by IBTimes India, Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the forthcoming International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) as a landmark initiative to revive the region's historic association with cinema and establish it as a preferred filming destination. The festival is scheduled for September 7–10, 2026, with parallel screenings planned in Jammu and Gulmarg, according to the chief minister's office. Abdullah said IFFJK is envisioned to eventually stand "alongside the finest festivals in the country and earn recognition among the best in the world," and expressed confidence the event would become a permanent fixture on the global film calendar.

Submissions, logistics and a renewed Bollywood partnership

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, addressing the same ceremony, framed it as a historic occasion underscoring the long-standing partnership between Jammu & Kashmir and Bollywood. Director of Information Shreya Singhal reported that around 400 entries from more than 25 countries had been received across categories and that submissions would remain open until July 30, 2026, with the festival intended to position J&K as a premier film-shooting destination. The government confirmed Srinagar Airport would remain operational during the festival to ease logistics for visiting filmmakers and artists, a point Abdullah highlighted as removing a major concern. The chief minister also unveiled the festival's official merchandise at the event.

'Chaar Diwaari' set for Fantasia premiere

Separately, Screen Anarchy reported on July 24 that Syed Shadan's claustrophobic short film "Chaar Diwaari (Four Walls)" is slated for its North American premiere on July 30 at the Fantasia International Film Festival, where it will screen as part of the Fragments of Asia short film program.