The fourth edition of The International Film Festival of Srinagar (TIFFS) was inaugurated on Wednesday at Tagore Hall, Srinagar.
Organizers said this year’s festival received over 100 film entries from 20 countries, of which 30 projects from 14 countries have been shortlisted by an eminent jury for screening.
The selected feature films represent countries including India, Poland, Russia, and Sri Lanka, while other participating nations include the USA, France, Germany, Turkey, and Switzerland, among others.
On the opening day, a documentary paying tribute to legendary music composer Madan Mohan was screened, along with short films such as Voyeur, Kelu Ka Dhaba, and No. Kashmiri singer and actor Ajaz Rah’s music video Souan Alamdaar was also featured.
The inaugural day witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, artists, and film enthusiasts, with the auditorium packed to capacity.
The festival was inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who was joined by Rohit Bhat and Rakesh Roshan Bhat, Festival Directors of TIFFS; Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-Kashmir; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Rajiv Pandey, DIG CKR; and Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar. Members of the Vomedh group, Avanti Foundation, and Landmark Crafts Limited were also present.
Veteran Bollywood actor Lalit Parimoo, actor Mir Sarwar, film producer Kapil Mattoo, and Rising Kashmir Editor-in-Chief Ayaz Hafiz also attended the event.
The three-day cinematic celebration aims to showcase films that bridge cultures and celebrate storytelling. The vibrant cultural and cinematic event stands as a symbol of Jammu and Kashmir’s artistic resurgence, attracting filmmakers and audiences from across the globe, and establishing the region as an emerging platform for creative exchange.
The festival, which began today, will conclude on November 14.
Bhavna Pandita, Advisor to Vomedh, said the festival serves as an inspiration for budding filmmakers and artists. “It is a platform that will bring opportunities to young filmmakers and artists,” she said.
Festival Director Rakesh Roshan Bhat described TIFFS as a dream come true. “We have made a small effort, but our dreams are big,” he said, expressing gratitude to the Lieutenant Governor for his consistent support in organising the festival and other cultural initiatives.
