Team

Yaqout Mushtaq

Festival Director

Yaqout Mushtaq is a dedicated film producer and social activist with a rich background in the arts. She has produced over eight short films and four feature films, showcasing her commitment to storytelling and cinematic expression. In addition to her work in film, Yaqout has served as the chairperson of the cultural NGO XMITA, contributing significantly to the cultural landscape. Her longstanding association with the International Film Festival of Kashmir since its inception highlights her influential role in promoting regional cinema and creating platforms for filmmakers.

Prashanth Vishwanathan

Selection Committee

Prashanth Vishwanathan is an Indian photographer turned filmmaker known for his distinct style and storytelling abilities. His training has been in news and classical documentary which he emulates in his storytelling. His photographs have been featured in numerous publications including The New York Times, The Guardian, and TIME Magazine. Prashanth's passion for real life storytelling led him to explore the world of filmmaking. Today Prashanth has made over a dozen behavioural impact, programme and donor films for the development sector and non government organizations. Notable among them is “Goal” 2018, a short film which explored the changes brought to the lives of rural adolescent girls connected by technology to successful women in the urban landscape and the impact of this digital inclusion on their lives. Prashanth's work as a filmmaker is known for its strong social commentary and his ability to capture the essence of his subjects' lives. His films have been praised for their authenticity and sensitivity in depicting complex issues. Today, Prashanth continues to create thought-provoking and impactful films that shed light on important social issues in India and around the world.

Elizabeth Ike

Festival Programmer

My name is Elizabeth Ike. I am the hidden voice of International Film Festival of Kashmir since 2014 Festival. I got heavily influenced by cinema during my journey, a simple volunteering laid the foundation of this festival. Seeking never stopped until I found the medium of films. I believe the process of creativity and learning can never stop and here I am, on my way to explore new ideas, get better at art and learn more each day. Most of what IFFK is, comes from a deep understanding and collaboration between me and my team. My role as a film festival programmer has evolved over time.

Manzoor ul Hassan

Festival Supervisor

Manzoor-ul-Hassan is an accomplished journalist, multimedia producer, film programmer, and theatre practitioner with over 12 years of experience in the creative and media industries. His versatile background includes coordinating the International Film Festival of Kashmir in 2014 and 2015, where he played a pivotal role in organizing events that celebrated film, theatre, and documentary productions. Through his work, Manzoor has contributed to enriching the cultural scene and fostering a dynamic space for artistic expression and storytelling.

Hussein Khan

Chief of the Selection Committee

Hussein Khan's journey in Indian cinema is a remarkable story of passion, versatility, and innovation. Starting in 1993 as an actor, he quickly expanded his influence, establishing his production house in 1996 and launching Kashmir’s first private cable TV channel. Known for groundbreaking projects, Khan made a powerful impact with "Kashmir Daily," Kashmir’s very own feature film, and earned accolades like the Youth Peace Award in 2017. His recent works, including "Lines" and "KASHMIR SE," showcase his multifaceted talent as an actor, writer, and director, solidifying his legacy as an exemplary Indian filmmaker.

Ghulam Mohd Bhat

Selection Committee

Ghulam Mohd Bhat, a passionate cinephile since 1964, views filmmaking as the ultimate medium of expression, powered by technology to surpass all forms of creativity. He believes that the director is the true force behind the screen, orchestrating the talents of artists and creating cinematic magic. While he deeply respects classic directors like Raj Kapoor, Guru Dutt, and Bimal Roy, Bhat also admires contemporary filmmakers like Raj Kumar Hirani and Sanjay Leela Bhansali for their ability to captivate audiences with fresh, reality-driven themes. For Bhat, the magic of film remains alive, evolving with the audience's desire for stories that mirror today’s world.

Parvez Ud din

Selection Committee

Parvez Ud Din is a senior journalist from Srinagar. He is particularly interested in art, entertainment, films, politics, and economics. He has written extensively on a variety of subjects, including pieces about various actors and filmmakers.

Kanika Gupta

Selection Committee

Kanika Gupta is an accomplished professional with expertise in art history, dance, and filmmaking. She obtained her Master's degree in Art History from the Faculty of Fine Arts, Maharaja Sayajirao University in Baroda, Gujarat. She further pursued her Ph.D. at the School of Arts and Aesthetics, Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi, focusing on the ancient Indian motif of the female and the tree. In addition to her academic achievements, Gupta has published two books: "Lupadakhe – Unknown Master Sculptors of Ancient India" in 2019 and "The Cursed Land of Lustful Women and the Power of Storytelling" in 2023. Gupta has shared her skills and experience at prestigious universities including Kurukshetra and Ahmedabad's National Institute of Design as a guest faculty member. In 2022-23, she conducted extensive documentation and research on the Indian collection at the Slovene Ethnographic Museum in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Sameer

Guest Relation Coordinator

Sameer is actively involved in the process of filmmaking he works as a fulltime line producer with many films under his belt.