Santosh Sivan, Dorothee Wenner, Keiko Bang, Sriram Raghavan and Himansu Sekhar Khatua to evaluate competitive entries; Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Ramesh Sippy to attend as special guests
SRINAGAR, SEPT 6: The maiden International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK)–2026 is set to bring together an eminent panel of filmmakers, cinematographers, producers, curators and film educators from India and abroad, underlining its focus on showcasing cinema of high artistic and creative standards.
The festival will feature Santosh Sivan, Dorothee Wenner, Keiko Bang, Sriram Raghavan and Himansu Sekhar Khatua on its jury. The jury members will evaluate all films in the competitive sections and decide the awards of the festival.
The festival will also host Padma Shri awardee filmmaker Ramesh Sippy, known for the blockbuster Sholay, and Jammu and Kashmir-born filmmaker, producer, screenwriter and editor Vidhu Vinod Chopra, known for films including 3 Idiots, PK and Mission Kashmir, as special guests.
The composition of the jury brings together diverse cinematic perspectives and international experience spanning cinematography, documentary filmmaking, film curation, production, direction, sound design and film education.
Santosh Sivan
Acclaimed Indian cinematographer, filmmaker, producer and actor Santosh Sivan is a founding member of the Indian Society of Cinematographers (ISC). An FTII alumnus and among India’s most awarded Directors of Photography, he became the first cinematographer from the Asia-Pacific region to join the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC).
His work includes The Terrorist, which earned international recognition, while his contribution to world cinema was acknowledged with the Pierre Angénieux Tribute at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024.
Sivan has also served on several international juries, including as Chairperson of the Best Debut Director of Indian Panorama Jury at IFFI 2024, as well as on the International Jury of the Chennai Film Festival and the New Currents Jury at the Busan International Film Festival.
Dorothee Wenner
German filmmaker, curator, writer and journalist Dorothee Wenner brings an international and cross-cultural dimension to the jury.
Associated with the Berlin International Film Festival since 1990, Wenner has served as a programmer and delegate for India and Sub-Saharan Africa. She was also associated with the Berlinale Talent Campus, serving as its Director for the 2006 and 2008 editions.
A founding jury member of the Africa Movie Academy Awards, she has worked extensively with filmmakers and feature films from India, Africa and Germany. Her filmmaking and curatorial work includes Peace Mission, Drama Consult and Kinshasa Collection.
Keiko Bang
Japanese media entrepreneur, documentary filmmaker, producer and international curator Keiko Bang brings more than three decades of experience in the global media industry.
As 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.
Bang has worked with governments, broadcasters and media organisations in more than 25 countries and has been involved in international co-productions across Asia.
She served as a jury member at MIFF 2024 and was appointed to the Institutional National Selection Committee at MIFF 2026. She has also served as a primary coordinator and selection leader for Asian Side of Doc.
Sriram Raghavan
Filmmaker and screenwriter Sriram Raghavan is known for his distinctive neo-noir style and action thrillers.
His acclaimed films include Ek Hasina Thi, Johnny Gaddaar, Agent Vinod, Badlapur and Andhadhun. He is regarded as one of the prominent auteurs of contemporary Hindi cinema, known for sharp storytelling, atmospheric visuals and complex characters.
Himansu Sekhar Khatua
National Film Award-winning filmmaker, director, educator and journalist Himansu Sekhar Khatua completes the jury panel.
An FTII alumnus, Khatua has directed acclaimed films including Shunya Swaropa and Ishanu, besides several award-winning regional productions. He has also worked as a faculty member and mentor, contributing to film education and training.
Khatua has served as Director of the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) and has previously been associated with film juries, including the Indian Panorama Feature Films Jury at IFFI 2024 and the Kautik International Film Festival 2021 Features Award Jury.
The organisers said the stature and diversity of the jury reflect the global character of IFFJK and its vision of creating a platform for cinematic excellence, cultural dialogue and international exchange.
With expertise spanning cinematography, documentary filmmaking, film curation, production, direction and education, the jury is expected to bring diverse and independent perspectives to the evaluation of films in the competitive sections.
The presence of prominent filmmakers and cinema professionals is also expected to strengthen Jammu and Kashmir’s emergence as a destination for filmmakers, artists, storytellers and cinephiles from India and abroad.
The 1st International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK), being organised by the Department of Information and Public Relations, Jammu and Kashmir, is envisioned as a cultural initiative celebrating cinema while providing established and emerging filmmakers a platform to connect, collaborate and share their stories with wider audiences.
With an accomplished jury, a diverse cinematic programme and participation from the wider film community, IFFJK 2026 is poised to mark a new chapter in Jammu and Kashmir’s cinematic journey.
