Frame by frame: The storytellers’ meet held in Jammu ahead of 1st IFFJK-2026
Blazing Tales News Service
JAMMU, AUGUST 10: The Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) today organised ‘Frame by Frame: The Storytellers’ Meet’ at the DIPR Media Complex, Jammu, as a precursor to the upcoming 1st International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK)-2026.
Commissioner Secretary, Information, R Alice Vaz, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and interacted with filmmakers, actors, producers, artists and other stakeholders from the film and media fraternity.
Director Information Shreya Singhal, Special Secretary Information Pawan Singh Rathore, Director Floriculture Nagendra Jamwal, Director Tourism Jammu Vikas Gupta, Additional Secretary, J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Sonali Arun Gupta, and Joint Director Information Jammu Deepak Dubey were present on the occasion.
Prominent members of the film fraternity, including Padma Shri awardee and artist Mohan Singh Slathia, actor Ajay Pal Andotra, director-producer Tariq Khan, line producer Atul Duggal, artist Kusum Tickoo and Rajesh Khajuria of Cine Association of J&K, besides members of the media fraternity, artists, writers and other distinguished guests, also participated in the event.
Addressing the gathering, R Alice Vaz described the first International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir as a landmark initiative aimed at opening a new chapter in the cultural and creative journey of the Union Territory.
“Jammu and Kashmir has a rich and enduring association with cinema. The first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir is an important step towards building on this legacy and creating new opportunities for the film fraternity,” she said.
She said the department had taken note of the valuable suggestions and expectations put forth by members of the film fraternity during the interaction and assured that these inputs would be duly considered while framing policies and initiatives to facilitate the growth of the film sector in Jammu and Kashmir.
“The department is committed to creating a more conducive and enabling environment for filmmakers, artists and other creative professionals. The suggestions received today will certainly be considered while shaping future initiatives for the benefit of the fraternity,” she added.
R Alice Vaz said the festival, being organised by DIPR, was envisioned not merely as a platform for film screenings but also as a space for meaningful dialogue, interaction, collaboration and cultural exchange.
She invited filmmakers, producers, directors, actors and other members of the film fraternity to participate in the festival in large numbers, stating that elaborate arrangements had been made for the screenings and associated activities.
“The festival is not only about showcasing films, it is about bringing together filmmakers, producers, artists, audiences and the wider creative community. We want this platform to encourage dialogue, collaboration and new creative possibilities,” she said.
The Commissioner Secretary also underlined the wider potential of the festival in promoting Jammu and Kashmir as an attractive destination for filmmakers and visitors.
“While cinema remains at the heart of the festival, we also expect important collateral benefits, particularly in terms of tourism and showcasing the breathtaking landscapes, culture and creative potential of Jammu and Kashmir to audiences across the country and the world,” she said.
She expressed satisfaction over the enthusiasm displayed by young artists and members of the creative community, saying their energy and aspirations would be an important part of the festival’s journey.
