Srinagar, Sep 9: The cinematic spirit of Jammu & Kashmir came alive on the third day of the 1st International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK), as SKICC Srinagar hosted a vibrant series of thought-provoking discussions, masterclasses and interactive sessions.

The day’s programme focused on youth-led storytelling, emerging cinematic voices, international co-productions, regional cinema and the opportunities available for Jammu & Kashmir filmmakers to connect with wider national and global audiences.
The day began with the In-Conversation session, “Echoes of the Chinar: Empowering J&K’s Next Generation of Storytellers,” which explored the role of young filmmakers, local institutions and emerging cinematic voices in shaping the representation of Jammu & Kashmir on screen. The session was moderated by Danish Renzu, with filmmaker and writer Rahhat Shah Kazmi as the speaker.
Another significant session, “Global Partnerships in the Valley: Co-Producing Jammu and Kashmiri Cinema for the World,” examined avenues for international collaboration and greater integration of the region into the global film ecosystem. The panel discussed international co-production, sustainable financing, creative partnerships and festival-market strategies for Jammu and Kashmiri cinema. It was moderated by Indian director and editor Rabi Ranjan Maitra and featured Kapil Matoo, Munjal Shroff and Saba Bhat.
Speakers emphasised that Jammu & Kashmir possesses a wealth of stories and creative talent that needs to be nurtured through stronger local institutions, training opportunities and professional platforms. They stressed the importance of encouraging young people from diverse academic and professional backgrounds to participate in filmmaking and build a vibrant, inclusive cinematic ecosystem within the region.
The panel discussion “The Gentle Truth: AI and the Beautiful Soul of Jammu and Kashmir” explored the growing influence of artificial intelligence on documentary filmmaking. The discussion examined the possibilities and challenges of emerging technologies, with particular focus on ethics, observational cinema and hybrid forms. Speakers also deliberated on how technology can complement, rather than overshadow, authentic human stories and the distinctive cultural landscape of Jammu & Kashmir.
The session was moderated by Sanskar Desai and featured Subbiah Nallamuthu, Arun Chadda, Yadu Vijaykrishnan, Supriyo Sen and Raja Shabbir Khan.
Another engaging panel, “Local Voices, Global Hearts: Celebrating Regional Cinema in the Valley,” explored the power of regional storytelling and the diverse voices shaping Indian cinema. The discussion reflected on Jammu & Kashmir’s rich cultural traditions and its potential to contribute distinctive narratives to India’s regional and national cinematic landscape. It was moderated by Arfi Laamba and featured Tribeny Rai, Dr Pradeep Kenchanuru, Haobam Paban Kumar and Madhavi Tangella.
Among the major highlights of the day was the masterclass “Cutting Visuals, or Cutting Emotions,” which delved into the art and psychology of film editing. Rabi Ranjan Maitra shared insights into rhythm, spatial continuity, temporal manipulation and the emotional power of the cut, offering participants a deeper understanding of how editing shapes the narrative and emotional impact of a film.
Another masterclass, “Beyond the Stage: Inside the Actor’s Craft,” examined the relationship between theatrical training, embodied performance and contemporary approaches to cinematic acting. Noted actor and director Chittaranjan Tripathy shared his experience and insights into the evolving dynamics of screen performance.
The masterclasses proved particularly valuable for students, aspiring filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts, giving them an opportunity to interact directly with experienced practitioners and gain practical insights into both the creative and technical dimensions of filmmaking.
The day’s interactive sessions witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, film enthusiasts and emerging filmmakers, who engaged speakers through questions and discussions. The exchanges provided participants with valuable perspectives on filmmaking practices, emerging technologies, creative processes and opportunities within the evolving film industry.
The third day further strengthened IFFJK’s role as a platform for learning, dialogue, collaboration and discovery, while underlining the importance of empowering local talent and connecting Jammu & Kashmir’s cinematic voices with audiences and opportunities beyond the region.