The fifth edition of the Jammu International Film Festival concluded at Abhinav Theatre in Jammu. The two-day cinematic event brought together filmmakers, artists, and cinema enthusiasts from various regions.
Organised by Vomedh, the festival aims to provide a platform for filmmakers to present their work and connect with audiences and professionals from the film industry. Screenings and other festival activities were held at Abhinav Theatre on Canal Road, Jammu. The Jammu Film Festival represents the aspirations of the people of Jammu, to put Jammu on the world map of international film festival circuit.
The 2026 edition drew entries from filmmakers across 35 countries. Organisers reported receiving over 200 film entries, including 22 regional films from Jammu and Kashmir. The regional selections provided a platform for filmmakers from the Union Territory to present their work alongside films from other parts of India and abroad.
Various screenings took place during the two-day event. The Dogri movie ‘Shah Shani’ was screened on 28th September. Additionally, the documentary “Gumnaam Mehnat, Khamosh Dard”, produced by the J&K Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC), was screened at J. L. Sehgal Hall, Jammu. ‘Antim Sandesh’ was also featured after being selected and screened at various national and international film festivals.
The organisers announced a cash award of ₹1 lakh for the Best Local Production as part of the fifth edition. The award is intended to encourage filmmaking in the region and recognise locally produced cinema.
The festival’s selection process included screening and review committees, followed by a final jury. Filmmaker Kapil Mattoo headed the final jury, which included actors Vipin Sharma, Ashwath Bhatt and Tanvir Dar.
The festival is organised by Vomedh, a cultural and theatre organisation based in Jammu and Kashmir. Its first four editions received more than 500 film entries from over 40 countries, according to information published ahead of this year’s event.
Festival directors Rakesh Roshan Bhat and Rohit Bhat described the initiative as a platform to connect Jammu with the wider filmmaking community. The event brought together filmmakers, artists, delegates and cinema enthusiasts for screenings and interaction around regional and international cinema. During the event, Raman shared enthusiasm for participating in the festival’s 5th edition, appreciating the unique concepts and acknowledging the growing development and promotion of art and cinema culture in Jammu, which provides a supportive platform for young talent.
The two-day event wrapped up its final screening schedules at Abhinav Theatre. Organizers are expected to announce dates for the subsequent edition later this year.
