It Is This (2023)

A snowboarding adventure in the breathtaking terrain of Kashmir. A sport that is traditionally associated with Western youth, IT IS THIS is set against the stunning backdrop of the Himalayas, and chronicles the sport's history in the East through Kashmir's first snowboarder, 54 year-old Firdous Ahmad Chaila. Filmmaker Rizza Alee and Mr. Chaila venture into uncharted territories battling the elements as they navigate through treacherous slopes and deep powder of Kashmir's winter sports playground, Gulmarg. "You don't often see brown people dressed in the traditional pheran gliding the line on a snowboard. The documentary challenges the norms by defying traditions and stereotypes in the mountain ranges of the most militarized zone on the planet - Kashmir, north of India." Snowboarding is a rare sport, and equipment and gear are very expensive and not sold in the stores. The youth of Kashmir can't afford coaches and instructors so they learn by watching YouTube videos, and rent equipment whenever possible. Meditative and pulsating Kashmiri music will accompany heart-pounding action in an awe-inspiring scenery as the snowboarders dance with the mountains. The film is shot entirely on GoPro cameras.