Matthew Birch Media Matthew Birch Media TRAVEL | ADVENTURE | PHOTOJOURNALISM | FILMMAKING
Some know Kashmir to be called a heaven on Earth, but beneath the surface of the region's stunning landscapes lies a story of resilience and a collective struggle for self-determination. Since India's independence in 1947, Kashmir has been at the center of an extremely complex and ongoing conflict, making it one of the most militarised areas in the world. "The Call to Kashmir" short film aims to shed light on some of the challenges faced by its people after decades of unrest in the disputed territory, but to also celebrate the unique cultural richness of Kashmir and its people.

After living with a local family in their home for over two months, I had the privilege to immerse myself in this project. Their embracing nature and the sharing of stories, traditions, daily lives, and insights allowed me to create this cinematic journey. Kashmir is eye-opening, mysterious, and captivating, and the stories of its people deserve to be seen, heard and understood.

Watch the short film here: