Two Jammu and Kashmir youth --- Rahhat Shah Kazmi (writer and director) and Tariq Khan, producer, who chose art over gun, have today became acclaimed filmmakers and their film ‘Country of Blind’ was invited the Oscar Library to be a part of the permanent collection at the Library of the Motion Pictures Arts and is also in race for Oscars.
Kazmi and Khan, both live close to Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s border district of Poonch. Both were fascinated by the art and the duo chose art over gun during the peak of militancy in the region.
One of them, Tariq Khan was even kidnapped by militants in 1998 but was let off safely. Later, Tariq and Kazmi left the incident behind them and both were determined to make it to Bollywood.
According to Tariq, his film journey started from his school days when he along with schoolmates --- Rahat Qazmi and Zahid Qureshi thought of making a film.
From Poonch, Tariq came to Jammu, where he worked in Jammu Doordarshan and ETV. It was in 2013, when they set up their own production house and made a film ‘Identity Card’.
“The ‘Identity Card’ was hugely acclaimed and very well received internationally and this was the film from where their real journey of cinema started.
Tariq said that their very first production ‘Identity Card’ was shown in US Parliament while discussing Kashmir issue as the film was based on Kashmir situation.
“That film got us best film, best director, best supporting actor award in the USA and then one award in IFEFA Australia and best film award in ZEE Cinema’s Rajasthan International Film Festival in 2014,” he said.
Both Kazmi and Taiq through their hard work, dedication and determination have now emerged as acclaimed filmmakers and won praise from both within the country and abroad as well.
Kazmi and Tariq’s film ‘Country Of Blind’ has created a buzz among the filmmaking circles not only in India but abroad as well.
The film, which features a story about the ‘sightless’ and their lives, has actress Hina Khan in the lead.
The screenplay of the film has been acquired by the Oscars Library in October 2023 to be a part of its permanent core collection.
Based on a novel by H G Wells, ‘Country of Blind’ is a satirical drama about a community thriving in isolation. The film is entirely shot in Kashmir and also features local artists including Hina Khan, Mir Sarwar, Shoib Nikash Shah, Anushka Sen, Inaamulhaq, and Pradhuman Singh. The film, which is shot in both English and Hindi languages.
Kazmi has already made critically acclaimed films including Lihaaf, Mantostaan and Identity Card.
“‘Country of Blind’ being accepted by audience in the US and its screenplay invited by the Academy’s Library of the Motion Pictures and Sciences, is a huge feat for our entire team,” according to Kazmi.
The film ‘Country of Blind’, which was released in the USA on October 6, has received a lot of praise from international filmmakers.
As the buzz surrounding 'Country of Blind' continues to grow, it promises to be a film that transcends borders and resonates with viewers on a profound level.
“We have always prayed and manifested for this film to be a part of our lives. Our entire team has worked day and night to do justice to it. I am happy that prominent personalities like Golden Globe director and winner Siddiq Barmak and Cannes jury member Christian Jeune have praised the film so highly. This gives me and my partners a big boost as a filmmaker to believe in our craft,” said Kazmi.