Srinagar, September 11, 2025 – Hot Ice Productions unveiled the official poster for Baand: The Musical Journey of an Artist, a Kashmiri-language feature film directed by acclaimed filmmaker Ali Emran. This cinematic tribute celebrates Baand-e-Pather, Kashmir’s traditional folk theatre, while highlighting the resilience of artists striving to preserve their cultural heritage amid rapid societal changes. The unveiling event buzzed with anticipation, marking another milestone in Emran’s distinguished career.Baand, set for release in 2025, is a poignant exploration of Kashmiri culture and identity, focusing on a father-son duo determined to keep the centuries-old Baand-e-Pather alive in a world increasingly indifferent to traditional art forms. This folk theatre, once a vibrant part of Kashmiri weddings and community gatherings, blends satire, song, and storytelling but now faces extinction due to modernisation and shifting cultural priorities. Emran’s film is both a cultural preservation effort and a cinematic homage, weaving a narrative that resonates with themes of resilience and artistic integrity.
“Storytelling in Kashmir cannot be apolitical,” Emran stated, emphasising the film’s quiet defiance in reclaiming space for Kashmiri narratives. Shot in the scenic highlands of Gurez and the historic lanes of old Srinagar, Baandcaptures the region’s mystical and spiritual essence, blending visual lyricism with profound emotional depth. The film follows the journey of a Baand-e-Pather performer, showcasing the struggles of artists who navigate cultural erosion and societal pressures to sustain their craft.Emran, a Srinagar-based filmmaker, has long been a torchbearer for Kashmiri cinema. His previous works, including Qouluf: The Ensorcelled—the first Kashmiri-language film screened in a local cinema in over 60 years—and Ibtida: The Beginning, an Urdu adaptation of Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead, have earned acclaim at festivals like the Kolkata International Film Festival and India Habitat Centre Film Festival. Baand continues his mission to document and revive Kashmir’s artistic traditions, earning praise for its authenticity and cultural significance.The film’s release comes at a critical time, as Baand-e-Pather faces decline. Once a staple of Kashmiri celebrations, this folk art form, known for its sharp social commentary and vibrant performances, has been overshadowed by modern entertainment.
Emran’s Baand not only documents this vanishing art but also serves as an act of cultural resistance, urging audiences to reconnect with their roots. The film has already sparked interest on the festival circuit, with expectations high for its impact on South Asian cinema.As Kashmir grapples with the challenges of globalization and cultural loss, Baand stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of its people. Emran’s work invites viewers to reflect on the importance of preserving heritagewhile celebrating the artists who keep these traditions alive. With its blend of philosophical depth and emotional storytelling, Baand is poised to be a landmark in Kashmiri filmmaking, shining a light on a fading yet vital part of the region’s soul
