Srinagar, August 27, 2026 :The Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Jammu and Kashmir, has announced cash prizes across nine award categories for the inaugural International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) 2026, scheduled to be held from September 7 to 10, 2026.
The festival will be hosted at prominent venues including SKICC Srinagar, Gulmarg and Jammu, bringing together filmmakers, actors, technicians and cinema enthusiasts for the first international film festival of its kind in J&K.
₹25 Lakh for Best Film
The Best Film award carries the festival’s highest cash prize of ₹25 lakh, recognising outstanding cinematic achievement.
The Best Director and Best Debut Film of a Director categories will each carry a prize of ₹15 lakh, reflecting the festival’s focus on both established filmmaking talent and emerging voices.
Special Focus on J&K Cinema
Giving special recognition to the region’s cinematic identity, DIPR has announced a ₹10 lakh prize for Best Film – J&K Select.
The category aims to recognise compelling films connected with Jammu and Kashmir while showcasing the region’s distinctive cultural, social and artistic landscape to a wider international audience.
₹8 Lakh Each for Best Actors
The festival will also recognise outstanding acting performances.
The Best Actor (Male) and Best Actor (Female) categories will each carry a cash prize of ₹8 lakh, celebrating individual performances that make a significant contribution to cinematic storytelling.
Technical Excellence Also Recognised
Recognising the importance of technical craftsmanship in filmmaking, DIPR has proposed ₹5 lakh each for:
- Best Cinematography
- Best Sound Design
- Best Editing
These categories highlight the critical creative and technical contributions behind every successful film.
Nine Award Categories
| Award Category | Cash Prize |
|---|---|
| Best Film | ₹25 lakh |
| Best Director | ₹15 lakh |
| Best Debut Film of a Director | ₹15 lakh |
| Best Film – J&K Select | ₹10 lakh |
| Best Actor (Male) | ₹8 lakh |
| Best Actor (Female) | ₹8 lakh |
| Best Cinematography | ₹5 lakh |
| Best Sound Design | ₹5 lakh |
| Best Editing | ₹5 lakh |
Positioning J&K on the Global Cinema Map
The award framework reflects the J&K Government’s broader vision of creating a meaningful ecosystem for cinematic talent, recognising excellence across filmmaking, acting, technical crafts and regional storytelling.
The inaugural IFFJK is intended to go beyond being a celebration of films. The festival aims to provide filmmakers with an international platform to showcase their work, exchange ideas, build professional networks and connect with audiences and creative communities from across the world.
The initiative is also expected to encourage both emerging and established filmmakers and strengthen Jammu and Kashmir’s position as an attractive destination for filmmaking and cultural exchange.
Through the festival and its awards, the government seeks to place Jammu and Kashmir on the international cinematic map, while highlighting its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes and growing creative potential.
