The fifth edition of the Jammu Film Festival concluded on Tuesday after drawing around 3,000 visitors and showcasing 53 films from 16 countries, organisers said.
The two-day festival at Abhinav Theatre featured 12 films from Jammu and Kashmir and brought together more than 300 local artists, filmmakers, actors and students, along with about 20 delegates from across India.
The festival, presented by Vomedh in association with Koshurwood Studio, included film screenings, masterclasses and a panel discussion on regional storytelling. Participants included filmmakers and artists such as Ravi Kemmu and Danish Iqbal.
Asit Kumarr Modi, founder of Neela Film Productions and creator of the television show Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, attended the closing ceremony and presented awards in 17 competitive and special categories.
The annual Sh. K. L. Saigal Awards were presented to Ved Rahi, Rita Razdan Safaya and Bashir Budgami.
Performances during the festival included appearances by international tabla artist Jorge Ramiro, classical musician Hiranmay Mitra and Policewala Rapper. More than 150 artists took part in the opening and closing ceremonies, organisers said.
Festival Director Rakesh Roshan Bhat said the turnout highlighted the demand for an international film platform in Jammu.
Organisers said the next edition would seek to expand international collaborations, strengthen the showcase for filmmakers from Jammu and Kashmir and create more opportunities for young filmmakers.
