Doda’s Talent Shines: Documentary with Contributions from Chenab Valley Filmmakers Wins International Award at Ji.Hlava Film Festival
Jammu Oct 28: In a momet of Pride for J&K the documentary “Only if the Baby Cries” a powerful documentary set in Doda’s Dhadkai village, has won the Best Short Film Award at the 28th Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival, bringing global recognition to the talents of the Chenab Valley. This achievement is particularly notable for its strong local connection, as several key contributors hail from the region, including Anzer Ayoob, founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Chenab Times, who served as the film’s Location Manager and Researcher.
Directed by Shadab Farooq, the documentary delves into the lives of the deaf and mute population in Dhadkai, a village largely unknown to the world. The visuals, brought to life by the cinematography of Sahib Syed Goni, and the immersive sound design by Caster Rinoy Gomez, enhance the emotional depth of the film, making it a standout at the festival. doda
Anzer Ayoob played a vital role in ensuring that the story was authentically told, researching the local culture and managing on-the-ground logistics in Dhadkai. His deep connection to the area and understanding of its people made a significant impact on the film’s production. “This project is deeply personal to all of us, and we’re proud to share the untold stories of Dhadkai on an international platform,” Ayoob said.
The entire production team, including executive producer Aparna Sanyal and producer Rajiv Mehrotra, worked tirelessly to bring this important narrative to life. Each member of the crew contributed their expertise to deliver a film that has not only won accolades but has also brought the hidden stories of Jammu & Kashmir to the global stage. doda
The Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival, held annually in the Czech Republic, is one of the most prestigious events for documentary filmmakers. This year, the competition was particularly strong, with 22 films competing in the Short Joy category. Alongside “Only if the Baby Cries” the festival honored other works, including If I am to Die, Let it Be a Story, which won Best Documentary Book, and a reportage on Ukraine’s war-torn regions, which won the Respekt Magazine Award.
MLA Doda, Mehraj Malik, was among the first to congratulate the entire team, particularly acknowledging the efforts of local talents Shadab Farooq, Sahib Syed Goni, and Anzer Ayoob. “Their dedication and vision have brought honor not just to Doda but to all of Jammu & Kashmir. This is a proud moment for our region,” he stated.
The film is currently available for streaming on the Dafilms platform until November 2nd, allowing audiences around the world to witness the remarkable story of Dhadkai village. doda
The crew behind this award-winning documentary is a diverse and talented group. Shadab Farooq directed the film with a keen eye for storytelling, while Sahib Syed Goni’s cinematography captured the beauty and struggles of Dhadkai with sensitivity. Sound designer and mixer Caster Rinoy Gomez played a crucial role in creating an immersive auditory experience, enhancing the film’s emotional depth. Anzer Ayoob, as Location Manager and Researcher, ensured that the film remained true to the people and culture it portrays. Rajiv Mehrotra and Aparna Sanyal, the producer and executive producer respectively, provided the leadership and vision needed to bring this project to life.
The success of “Only if the Baby Cries” at Ji.hlava is not only a personal triumph for the crew but also a significant achievement for Jammu & Kashmir, particularly the Chenab Valley. It showcases the rich talent and potential of the region, which often goes unnoticed on the global stage. As the film continues to receive international recognition, it serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for other filmmakers from the region, encouraging them to tell their own stories.
For Anzer Ayoob, this documentary is a reflection of his broader mission with The Chenab Times — to give voice to stories from the Chenab Valley that deserve global attention. As he and his team celebrate this international recognition, they look forward to bringing more narratives from Jammu & Kashmir to the world stage.
