Five films by Jammu and Kashmir directors selected for the region's first international film festival as prominent Bollywood figures discuss local cinematic potential.
SRINAGAR — Five films directed by filmmakers from Jammu and Kashmir have been selected for the competitive category of the region's inaugural International Film Festival (IFFJK), highlighting local heritage, social realities, and human experiences.
Officials said Tuesday that the festival's preview committee reviewed the submissions and recommended the films based on their artistic merit and suitability for the competitive section. The selected works reflect diverse narratives, genres, and perspectives centered on the region's cultural fabric.
The chosen films include "Searching for the Dada" directed by Mohammed Wali; "Arifa" by Rohin Ravindran Nair; "Butch Coach (The Lost Lane)" directed by Siddharth Kaul and Ankit Wali; "Tasarfdar (Genies of Kashmir)" by Kapil Mattoo; and "Naqsh-e-Daur (The Story of Ghulam Nabi Dhar)" directed by Baba Tasadduq Hussain.
Spanning the Kashmiri and Hindi languages, the films explore themes ranging from childhood, family, and memory to migration, identity, heritage, resilience, and Kashmir's changing social landscape.
"Searching for the Dada" follows two young siblings in a Kashmiri village during Eid, while "Arifa" focuses on a woman returning to her ancestral home in Kashmir to confront childhood memories and her father's legacy. "Butch Coach" explores displacement, identity, and the enduring idea of home through the lens of a Kashmiri migrant family. "Tasarfdar" weaves together mystery, memory, and the lingering traces of Kashmir's past, while "Naqsh-e-Daur" portrays the life and legacy of a Padma Shri-recipient woodcarver in the heart of Srinagar, highlighting the region's craftsmanship and heritage.
The selected films will form part of the four-day festival's competitive programming, offering audiences and filmmakers an opportunity to engage with distinct cinematic voices from Jammu and Kashmir.
Meanwhile, prominent Bollywood filmmaker Imtiaz Ali said Tuesday that Kashmir holds numerous untold stories, characters, and cultural traditions that can provide rich material for filmmakers. Speaking to the media on the second day of the festival, Ali expressed hope that the region's growing engagement with cinema will generate further opportunities for local talent.
"Whenever I shoot a film, I always hope to return to Kashmir," Ali said, adding that few places match the region's cinematic appeal. Discussing his film *Laila Majnu*, Ali noted its deep ties to the region, stating that its characters, setting, and overall feel are rooted in Kashmir. He added that he remains fascinated by historical and cultural figures such as Habba Khatoon and regional Sufi saints, expressing interest in exploring such subjects if given the opportunity.
Actors Pankaj Tripathi and Divyenndu, known for their roles in the web series *Mirzapuri*, also spoke at the event on Tuesday, highlighting the immense potential for regional cinema in Jammu and Kashmir. The actors praised the local cuisine, people, and culture, noting that the area's local stories, youth talent, and emerging digital ecosystem present significant opportunities for visiting filmmakers.