The first International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) 2026 concluded on a high note here on Thursday, with a glittering award ceremony followed by a power-packed musical performance by veteran Bollywood singer Usha Uthup at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC).
Usha Uthup enthralled the audience with some of her popular numbers, including Ramba Ho, Darling keeping the packed gathering engaged till the end. Responding to repeated requests from the audience, she returned to perform again and also presented the Kashmiri song Huks Buks, drawing loud applause.
Expressing her happiness over performing in Kashmir, Uthup said she was delighted to be in the valley and perform before an “active audience”.
The concluding ceremony also witnessed the presentation of awards across various categories, recognising filmmakers and artists for their work showcased during the four-day festival.
Baba Tasaduq Hussain won the Best Cinematography award for the documentary Naqsh-e-Daur, while Sara Francis was honoured with the Best Sound Design award for Dead Dog. Dieter Diependaele won Best Editing for the drama film Têtes Brûlées.
The Best Emerging Film award went to Askini: The Guiding Darkness, while The Sustxotin won Best Debut Film of the Director. Khusnora Rozmatova was named Best Director, while Whisper My Name won the Best Film award.
Amin Haye was adjudged Best Actor (Male), while Tanya Maniktala won Best Actor (Female) for her performance in Aarifa.
The Best Film from Jammu & Kashmir award went to filmmaker Kapil Matto’s Tasrufdar – The Jinns of Kashmir.
The four-day festival, which began on September 7, concluded on Thursday after witnessing participation from filmmakers, actors, directors, cinematographers, technicians, students and cinema enthusiasts from India and abroad.
The festival venues recorded a strong turnout throughout the event, reflecting growing public interest in cinema and the diverse programme curated for the inaugural edition.
Screenings and festival activities were held at multiple venues, including SKICC and INOX in Srinagar, besides venues in Gulmarg and Jammu.
The festival was inaugurated on Monday by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. According to the organisers, the inaugural edition received an overwhelming response from filmmakers across the world, with more than 1,100 film entries from 80 countries. A total of 135 films were screened during the festival.
The IFFJK brought together filmmakers and professionals from across the cinematic spectrum, providing a platform for showcasing diverse films while facilitating interaction between filmmakers, students and audiences.
The festival was also aimed at strengthening Jammu and Kashmir’s engagement with the global film industry and promoting the region as an attractive destination for film production and tourism.
