In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
  • Festival to showcase unique heritage, traditions, landscapes, cultural ethos of J&K

SRINAGAR:  Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR)  has invited filmmakers from across the globe  to submit their entries for the First International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK)-2026, scheduled to be held from 7th to 10th September, 2026, at SKICC Srinagar marking a significant step towards establishing Jammu and Kashmir as a vibrant destination for cinema, culture and creative exchange.

The entries have commenced from 1st July and will close on 31st July 2026. The detailed instructions regarding submission of entries are available on IFFJK website www.iffjk.org The festival aims to bring together acclaimed filmmakers, emerging talent, industry professionals, media representatives and cinema enthusiasts on a common platform to celebrate the transformative power of storytelling through films.

IFFJK-2026 will provide filmmakers with an opportunity to showcase their work before an international jury and distinguished audiences while fostering meaningful dialogue, artistic collaboration and cultural exchange. The festival will feature a wide range of competitive and curated sections, including International Competition, Cinema of the World, J&K Select, Bharat Panorama, Documentary/Hybrid, Horror and Short Films, reflecting the diversity and richness of contemporary cinema.

Official screenings and events will be hosted across the SKICC Srinagar, INOX Multiplex Srinagar, Jammu, and the Gulmarg Convention Centre. Ultimately, the festival aims to bring filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences together in one of India’s most distinctive cultural landscapes. The inaugural edition of the festival is envisioned as a landmark cultural initiative of the Government  to promote Jammu and Kashmir as a destination for film production, creative excellence and international cultural engagement.

The festival seeks to showcase the unique heritage, traditions, landscapes and cultural ethos of Jammu and Kashmir through the powerful medium of cinema. It also aims to encourage artistic excellence, recognise outstanding cinematic achievements from around the world and promote innovation in filmmaking.

Through its carefully curated programme, IFFJK-2026 will contribute to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the cinematic traditions of different countries while strengthening cultural dialogue and mutual respect among diverse societies. The festival also aspires to foster friendship, cooperation and people-to-people connections across nations by using cinema as a universal language that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries.

Filmmakers, production houses and independent creators from India and abroad are encouraged to participate in the inaugural edition and contribute to making IFFJK-2026 a landmark celebration of global cinema.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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