A New Script: Kashmir’s First International Film Festival Takes Centre Stage

After more than two decades of cinema halls lying silent, the valley finally heard the whir of projectors again. On September 7, 2026, the Inox theatre in Srinagar’s Shiv Pora neighbourhood lit up for the premiere of the Lebanese film Dead Dog, a tender story about an estranged couple reuniting. It was not just any opening night – it marked the start of a four‑day International Film Festival, the first of its kind in Kashmir.

Security was tight, as one would expect for a high‑profile cultural event, but the atmosphere was anything but grim. Filmmakers, critics and curious locals gathered under the looming chinar trees that line the banks of Dal Lake, sharing popcorn, applause and, occasionally, the occasional nervous chuckle. The film was the first of 135 titles selected from 41 nations, ranging from experimental shorts to full‑length features, all converging on the newly revived screen.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah took the stage at the Sher‑i‑Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) and spoke with a mix of pride and optimism. “To stand here today under the majestic shade of the chinar, surrounded by the sentinel peaks of the Himalayas, is to be reminded that some places on earth do not merely boast stories – they are born of them,” he said, his voice echoing across the crowd.

Abdullah painted a picture of Kashmir as more than just a picturesque backdrop for movies. He declared the valley a “creative sanctuary,” a place where global storytellers could find inspiration and a welcoming audience. “Cinema is culture,” he added, emphasizing that the true beauty of Jammu & Kashmir lies in its soul – the warmth, hospitality and artistic heritage that locals call “Kashmiriyat.”

The festival’s programme includes master‑classes, panel discussions and workshops aimed at the region’s youth. Young aspiring filmmakers will have a chance to learn directly from seasoned professionals, a prospect that many attendees described as “a once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity.” Organisers hope this will spark a new generation of local talent, breathing fresh life into an industry that has long been dormant.

Beyond the screenings, the event also serves a practical purpose: to showcase the valley’s revived infrastructure. The Inox multiplex, the first functional cinema hall to open after a 23‑year hiatus in 2022, stands as a tangible sign that Kashmir is ready to host larger cultural gatherings again. The success of the 2023 G20 summit in the region had already hinted at this possibility; the film festival now puts the final piece in place.

As the curtains fell on the opening night, the applause lingered, mingling with the faint breeze off Dal Lake. For many, it felt less like the end of an event and more like the beginning of a new script for Kashmir – one where film, culture and community converge to write a brighter future.