JFF & TIFFS Unite for a Grand Celebration of Cinema; Jammu’s Aquaplex Crown Transformed for Film Festival Launch
Film Festival to Boost Tourism and Cultural Exchange; Historic Joint Edition to Kick Off in Jammu on Nov 20
Sharing the details of the opening ceremony and the 4 day event across Jammu and Srinagar, the Festival Director Rohit Bhat acknowledged the immense support from Jammu Tourism, especially from Director Vivekanand Rai and Joint Director Sunaina Sharma Mehta, whose vision has helped position Jammu as a destination for international film festivals.
Director Vivekanand Rai emphasized the powerful synergy between tourism and the film industry, particularly given Jammu’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural depth. “Hosting an international film festival here gives us a chance to showcase the region’s beauty and talent,” he remarked. Sunaina Sharma Mehta echoed her sentiment, noting, “This festival amplifies Jammu’s potential, combining cinema and tourism to create lasting impressions.”
In heartfelt tribute, this year’s edition is dedicated to the late Mushtaq Kak, whose contribution to Indian theater and film remains monumental. His legacy will be honored throughout the festival, with many dignitaries, both local and national, expected to attend. The festival will also host delegates from across India, including Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and the southern states, marking the event as a truly national celebration of cinema.
Amir Farooq added, “An international film festival brings a distinctive reputation to beautiful cities of Jammu and Srinagar, elevating their profile on a global scale. I have always felt proud to be associated with these international film festivals of Jammu and Srinagar”
Vomedh, a non-profit organization known for its exceptional contributions to the fields of art, culture, and theatre in Jammu & Kashmir, has successfully organized three editions of JFF and two editions of TIFFS in the past. Founded by cultural activists and brothers, Rakesh Roshan Bhat and Rohit Bhat, Vomedh has become a beacon for promoting art and culture in the region.
After receiving an overwhelming 400 film entries from 50 countries, a highly esteemed jury has selected 78 films from 29 countries for screening. The breakdown of selections includes: 59 Short Films, 14 Documentaries and 5 Feature Films. The festival will commence with a grand opening in Jammu on 20th November 2024, with screenings across both cities: Jammu Screenings: 20th – 22nd November; Srinagar Screenings & Grand Finale: 22nd – 23rd November at Tagore Hall, Srinagar. The festival will culminate with a closing ceremony on 23rd November 2024, celebrating the best of global and regional cinema.
Sanjay Saraf, a prominent social and political figure and Advisor of the festival highlighted the importance of government support in the continued success of the festival: “We are hopeful that the government will recognize the cultural significance of this initiative, which has successfully established Jammu and Srinagar as global centers for art and cinema. We look forward to the state’s support in nurturing this platform that brings together filmmakers, artists, and audiences from across the globe.”
Manzoor Ahmad Mir, Renowned Director, spoke passionately about the unifying power of art: “Art and culture have always transcended boundaries of region, religion, or race. This film festival is a testament to the way storytelling can bring people together, and I am proud to be a part of this celebration.”
Lalit Parimoo, Renowned Actor, and Rahul Sharma, Director, both key jury members, paid heartfelt tributes to Mushtaq Kak: “Mushtaq Kak was an iconic figure whose wisdom and vision shaped this festival. We dedicate this year’s event to his memory, as a humble tribute to the invaluable role he played in nurturing the arts in Jammu & Kashmir.”
Additionally, Bharti Kaul, Vice President of Vomedh, Bhavna Pandita Core Team Member along with Rakesh Roshan Bhat, Mentor of Vomedh and Festival Co-Director, wished the festival tremendous success and encouraged the youth to actively participate in this celebration of cinematic excellence. The other key team members of festival Kamaksha Dogra, King C Bharati, Shazi Khan, Irfana Banu Suman Bhat and Amit Singh also extended their wishes to the festival
Renowned anchors Bindiya Tickoo and Kusum Tickoo will bring their dynamic presence to the festival, hosting the event over its five-day span across Jammu and Srinagar.
With this joint edition, JFF and TIFFS aim to further solidify Jammu and Kashmir’s place on the world map as a hub for cinematic and cultural convergence.
