11 Weeks – the Kashmir we can all dream of?

http://scienceandfilm.org/videoplayer/videoplayer.swf?vid=302&vproject=sloan&vsection=student_films&autoPlayMovie=false

Vir Nehru, in an old people’s home, encounters an errant orphan, Aslam Jehangir. Both have deep would inflicted by religious riots in the region – Vir lost his son and Aslam his parents. Initially the old man shuns the child but slowly a cautious, and then deep, friendship develops. But the valley has a way to intruding into every story and changing its course. A beautiful short film, touching and full of magic. Both M.K. Raina as Vir and the young Dion Deboulle as Aslam are excellent in their roles. The beauty of the valley is mostly hidden from us, except in some moments on the lake in a shikara at night. Instead we see the seamy ugly side with marching boots and burning buildings – a paradise gone bad. This one is well worth a watch.