Some know Kashmir to be called a heaven on Earth - the area is known for its stunning Himalayan valleys, ancient Sufi shrines and meadows of saffron. But beneath these stunning landscapes lies a complex story of resilience, where daily life unfolds in one of the world's most militarised regions and where beauty and struggle intertwine. 

The Call to Kashmir" emerged from two months living with a local Kashmiri family in the heart of Srinagar's old city. During this time I was privileged to have insight into the authentic customs and traditions of the Kashmiri people, witnessing the rhythm of daily life - listening to the Call to Prayer echo through the narrow brick alleys, being greeted by the familiar faces of shopkeepers on the way to get daily roti, and gathering with family around chai and wazwan. Through intimate portraits and cinematic moments, this project weaves together the threads of life under occupation, where military checkpoints stand alongside places of worship and personal stories of loss reveal the heavy cost of conflict. Despite this, during my time in Kashmir I could only observe that the warmth of the Kashmiri people and their unwavering hospitality transcended any barriers of division.

Since India's independence in 1947, Kashmir has been at the center of an extremely complex and ongoing conflict, with over 500,000 Indian troops occupying the region. This project explores the stories, traditions and culture of this unique region, and aims to celebrate the Kashmiri people's profound hospitality, cultural heritage and resilience.