TIFFS 2025 to Celebrate Global Cinema at Tagore Hall, Srinagar

Jammu, November 1, 2025: The organizers of The International Film Festival of Srinagar (TIFFS) held a pre-event press conference today at the Press Club, Jammu, unveiling key highlights of the upcoming 4th edition of TIFFS — one of North India’s most vibrant cultural and cinematic festivals.

Festival Director Rohit Bhat announced that the opening ceremony will take place on the evening of November 12, 2025, at the historic Tagore Hall, Srinagar, marking the beginning of a three-day cinematic celebration from November 12 to 14, 2025.

“This year’s response has been phenomenal,” said Rohit Bhat. “We are excited to showcase some truly outstanding cinema that bridges cultures and celebrates storytelling.” He was joined by Festival Co-Director Rakesh Roshan Bhat, who added that TIFFS has now “evolved into a symbol of Kashmir’s artistic resurgence, drawing filmmakers and audiences from across the world.”

This year, TIFFS received over 100 film entries from 20 countries, out of which 30 projects from 14 countries have been shortlisted by an eminent jury for screening. These include 20 short films, six feature films, and four documentaries. The selected feature films represent countries such as India, Poland, Russia, and Sri Lanka, while other participating nations include the USA, France, Germany, Turkey, and Switzerland, among others.

The distinguished jury panel for TIFFS 2025 includes Manzoor Mir (Jury Head), Ayash Arif (Actor, Director, Producer), Bihari Kak (Actor, Producer, Director), Kamal Razdan (Actor, Director), Raahul Sharma (Director), Gul Reyaz (Actor, Director, Producer), Varun Sharma (Director), and Tariq Khan (Producer, Director).

Sanjeev Kak, representing The Avanti Foundation, one of the festival’s presenting partners, emphasized that Avanti Foundation has always supported initiatives nurturing culture and education. “TIFFS stands as a shining example of how art can build bridges and foster dialogue through cinema,” he said.

Pankaj Lidhoo, from Landmark Crafts Ltd, another presenting partner, added, “We are proud to associate with TIFFS 2025. This partnership aligns with our vision of supporting creative platforms that bring global attention to Kashmir’s talent and potential. We see this as the beginning of a long and meaningful collaboration.”

Amit Raina and Uphar Kotru, representing KOA USA, which is co-powering TIFFS 2025, conveyed their greetings from the United States, extending best wishes for the festival’s success and appreciating the participants for their contribution to cinema and culture.

Bhavna Pandita, Advisor to Vomedh, shared that “TIFFS represents the perseverance and creativity of Kashmir’s artists. It’s wonderful to see it grow into a festival of international repute.”

Dr. Amit Wanchoo, Advisor to TIFFS, noted, “The growing scale and diversity of TIFFS mirror Kashmir’s emergence as a global destination for art, culture, and storytelling.”

Aryan Ramesh, Operations Head for TIFFS, expressed enthusiasm about the event’s preparations, saying, “The participation from so many countries reflects the credibility and reputation TIFFS has built over the years.”

Rohini Vaishnavi, Marketing Director for TIFFS, said, “We are proud that TIFFS has established itself as a brand to reckon with and is poised to grow further with the upcoming editions.”

In a major announcement, TIFFS revealed its association with Snowtales, an upcoming OTT platform from Jammu and Kashmir, set to launch around the same time as the festival. The collaboration will provide local and regional filmmakers with a dedicated platform to showcase their work globally.

The 4th Edition of TIFFS is presented by Vomedh, The Avanti Foundation, and Landmark Crafts Ltd, and Co-Powered by KOA USA.

Festival Director Rohit Bhat extended heartfelt thanks to all supporting partners, especially LIC Housing Finance Ltd., Space Communications, AMEAK, Asha the Care Foundation, VR Events, Kanwal Spices, Uncle Advertising, Choice Centre, and Rising Kashmir for their support and sponsorship of the 2025 edition.

The press conference concluded with an interactive Q&A session, reflecting the enthusiasm and anticipation surrounding TIFFS 2025 — an event that continues to place Kashmir firmly on the global cultural map.

Those who addressed the media include Rohit Bhat, Festival Director, Aryan Ramesh, Head Operations, King C Bharati, Senior Journalist and Actor, Bharati Kaul, Vice President Vomedh and Sushma Kumari, Manager Vomedh.