IUST to host national-level Film Festival 2026
IUST to Host National-Level Film Festival 2026, Over 20 Short Films Shortlisted
Awantipora, Jammu and Kashmir | October 15, 2026
The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora, is set to organise its national-level Film Festival 2026 on Thursday, bringing together emerging filmmakers, students and cinema enthusiasts to celebrate creativity and storytelling. The event is being organised by the university’s Department of Journalism and Mass Communication (DJMC) at the Lal Ded Auditorium on the IUST main campus.
The festival will feature screenings of short films and documentaries, expert panel discussions and a competition among school, college and university students for the best film awards. More than 20 short films and documentaries have been shortlisted for the competition, with participation expected from educational institutions across Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of India.
Renowned Filmmakers to Evaluate Entries
The shortlisted films will be evaluated by a jury comprising experienced academics and professionals from the film industry. The jury includes Professor Shahid Rasool, Dean of Academic Affairs and Dean of the Media School at the Central University of Kashmir; Mir Sarwar, a well-known Bollywood actor and director; and Danish Renzu, filmmaker and founder of Renzu Films.
Their involvement is expected to bring professional perspectives to the evaluation process and offer aspiring filmmakers valuable exposure to industry standards. The competition will recognise student creativity, originality, storytelling and filmmaking skills.
In addition to the competitive entries, films produced by DJMC will also be screened during the event, highlighting the department’s work in media education and audiovisual storytelling.
Platform for Emerging Creative Talent
The festival aims to provide a platform for young filmmakers to present their work, exchange ideas and interact with professionals. Such initiatives can help students gain practical exposure beyond classroom learning and develop skills in directing, cinematography, editing, scriptwriting and documentary production.
For students interested in pursuing careers in cinema, television, digital media and filmmaking, the festival offers an opportunity to understand the creative process and learn from established practitioners.
The participation of students from different institutions is also expected to encourage collaboration, allowing young creators to share experiences and explore diverse approaches to storytelling.
Building on Previous Editions
The 2026 festival follows earlier editions organised by DJMC IUST in 2023 and 2025, which received encouraging student participation and promoted collaboration among educational institutions across the Kashmir Valley.
By continuing the initiative, the university aims to strengthen its contribution to cinema, arts and culture while encouraging students to explore subjects rooted in society, heritage and contemporary life.
The festival also reflects the growing importance of university-led cultural initiatives in nurturing local talent and creating opportunities for young people to engage with the creative industries.
Strengthening Kashmir’s Cultural and Film Scene
Jammu and Kashmir has a rich cultural heritage, distinctive landscapes and a strong tradition of storytelling. Platforms such as the IUST Film Festival can help emerging filmmakers present local experiences to wider audiences while encouraging experimentation with new cinematic techniques.
The event is expected to bring together students, academics and industry professionals in an environment focused on creativity, learning and artistic exchange.
As the festival gets underway, attention will be on the shortlisted films and the emerging voices that could contribute to the region’s evolving media and entertainment landscape.
Published by: Tawi Observer
