Srinagar, Aug 27: The Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Government of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday announced the eminent five-member Jury for the 1st International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK), scheduled to be held from 7th to 10th September 2026.
The maiden edition of IFFJK is being organised with the objective of establishing Jammu and Kashmir as an important destination for cinema, creative expression, cultural exchange and meaningful dialogue. The festival will provide a platform for diverse cinematic voices while showcasing the rich cultural heritage, stories and creative potential of Jammu and Kashmir before a national and international audience.
The Jury comprises distinguished personalities from the world of cinema, including internationally acclaimed filmmakers, cinematographers, sound artists and film curators.
The five-member Jury includes, Santosh Sivan – Acclaimed Indian cinematographer, filmmaker, producer, and actor, and a founding member of the Indian Society of Cinematographers (ISC). His acclaimed directorial work includes The Terrorist, and in 2024 he was honoured with the Pierre Angénieux Tribute at the Cannes Film Festival.
Resul Pookutty, an Academy Award (Oscar) and BAFTA Award winner for Slumdog Millionaire, a Padma Shri recipient, and National Film Award winner. Internationally acclaimed sound designer, he has served on the executive committee of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), elevating Indian cinema’s global recognition.
Dorothee Wenner, a German filmmaker, curator, writer, and journalist renowned for her contributions to international cinema and cultural exchange. Since 1990, she has been associated with the Berlin International Film Festival, serving as a programmer and delegate for India and Sub-Saharan Africa. She is also a founding jury member of the Africa Movie Academy Awards and has worked extensively to promote African and Asian cinema globally. As a filmmaker, her notable works include Peace Mission, DramaConsult, and Kinshasa Collection.
Keiko Bang, Japanese media entrepreneur, documentary filmmaker, producer, and international curator with over three decades of experience in the global media industry. As the founder and CEO of Bang Singapore Pte Ltd., she has produced more than 50 award-winning documentaries, including Zheng He: Emperor of the Seas, Guge: The Lost Kingdom of Tibet, and Secrets of the Samurai. A leading advocate for international co-productions across Asia, she has worked with governments, broadcasters, and media oganizations in over 25 countries.
Himansu Sekhar Khatuaa National Film Award-winning filmmaker, and educator known for his significant contributions to Indian cinema. An alumnus of FTII Pune, he has worked on acclaimed films including Shunya Swaroopa, Ishanou, and several award-winning regional productions. He has also served as a faculty member and mentor, influencing generations of filmmakers through teaching and practice. He has also served as Director of Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI).
The Jury will evaluate films submitted under various competition and thematic sections of the festival, including international, national and Jammu and Kashmir-focused categories. Their collective expertise is expected to ensure an independent, credible and internationally informed assessment of the cinematic works presented at IFFJK.
The festival will feature a diverse programme of film screenings, masterclasses, in-conversation sessions, panel discussions and other cinematic engagements, providing opportunities for filmmakers, students, film professionals and audiences to interact and exchange ideas.
