Srinagar, Jul 24: The curtain raiser for the first International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) was held on Friday at the Royal Springs Golf Course here, marking a significant step toward rebuilding Kashmir's historic bond with cinema and establishing the Union Territory as a preferred destination for filmmaking. The event brought together some of the most respected names in Indian cinema who have had a long and cherished association with Kashmir. The Chief Secretary described the curtain raiser as a historic occasion that revives the great partnership between Jammu and Kashmir and the film industry. Director Information Shreya Singhal, in her welcome address, described the event as the beginning of cinema's homecoming to Jammu and Kashmir. The event also featured the unveiling of festival merchandise, setting the tone for what promises to be a landmark cultural event for the region.