Awantipora, October 28,2025: The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at the Islamic University of Science and Technology is set to organise a One-Day Film Festival in collaboration with Film Southasia on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at the Conference Hall of the Rumi Library, IUST.
According to a statement issued by the university, the event aims to bring the internationally acclaimed Travelling Film Southasia 2025 to Kashmir, providing a platform for filmmakers, academicians, and students to engage in meaningful dialogue on the art and practice of filmmaking.
The festival will feature the screening of 19 films, including four critically acclaimed documentaries, followed by interactive sessions and discussions for critical evaluation. A film competition among educational institutions will also be held, with an award for the Best Film to encourage student creativity and cinematic expression.
The event will be presided over by Prof. Shakil A. Romshoo, Vice Chancellor, IUST, while Mitu Varma, Director, Film Southasia, and Akmal Hanan, Producer, Educational Multimedia Research Centre (EMRC), University of Kashmir, will serve as jury members for the competition.
This initiative builds on the success of the 2023 edition hosted by DJMC IUST, which witnessed vibrant participation from students and institutions across the Valley, fostering collaboration and cultural exchange through the medium of film.
The Kashmir Observer is serving as the media partner for the festival, while J&K Bank Ltd, Birla Open Minds International School, Pampore, Medina Enterprises, and Kaphtech Infrastructure are the official sponsors.
The university stated that the festival aligns with IUST’s commitment to promoting media literacy, creative education, and cinematic culture among students and the broader academic community.
