The fifth edition of the Jammu International Film Festival (JIFF) will be held from September 28 to 29 in Jammu, marking a significant milestone in the region’s cultural and cinematic landscape.Submissions will open from Wednesday and can be made online through FilmFreeway.”The fifth edition of JIFF will be held on September 28 and 29 in Jammu. The organisation remains committed to promoting art and culture through such initiatives,” Vomedh director and organiser of the event, Rohit Bhat, told reporters here.”What began as a passionate initiative has evolved into a sustained movement, with JIFF completing five editions and, along with the International Film Festival of Srinagar (TIFFS), reaching a total of nine film festival editions in Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.Senior actor Kusum Tikoo, who has been associated with the festival since its inception, said the platform has grown into an important cultural milestone in the region.The festival will feature film screenings, interactive sessions and curated cinematic experiences, with participation expected from filmmakers across India and abroad, she said.She said the festival continues its journey of celebrating cinematic excellence while strengthening the cultural fabric of Jammu and Kashmir.The fourth edition, held jointly with TIFFS, was inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Aquaplex Crown, Bagh-e-Bahu, reflecting the festival’s growing prominence.Festival director Rakesh Roshan Bhat expressed gratitude to stakeholders, saying the journey has been driven by perseverance and collective support, and that the milestone belongs to the entire creative community.A key highlight of the upcoming edition will be the introduction of a Rs 1 lakh award for ‘Best Local Production’, aimed at encouraging regional filmmaking, organisers said.He said the initiative seeks to empower filmmakers from Jammu and Kashmir and provide them a strong platform to showcase their work.Festival advisor Amit Wanchoo said the event has matured into a credible platform nurturing meaningful cinema, reflecting both the dedication of organisers and growing interest in quality storytelling.The press conference was attended by members of the cultural and media fraternity, including Bindhya Raina, Bharti Kaul, King C Bharti, Kamaksha Dogra, Suman Bhat, Gulfam Barjee and others.Organisers said the festival continues its journey of celebrating cinematic excellence while strengthening the cultural fabric of Jammu and Kashmir.