Film highlights challenges of deaf and mute community in Dhadkai, promotes local storytelling on global stage
Doda: In a proud moment for Jammu & Kashmir, three filmmakers from Doda have made their mark on the international stage. ‘Only If the Baby Cries…’, a documentary set in the remote village of Dhadkai, has won the prestigious Best Short Film Award at the 28th Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival.
Directed by Shadab Farooq and featuring cinematography by Sahib Syed Goni, both hailing from Doda, the film highlights the unique challenges faced by the village’s deaf and mute population. Anzer Ayoob, also from Doda, served as the Location Manager and Researcher.
The documentary, the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) has learnt, brings to light the little-known village of Dhadkai, located in the Chenab Valley of Doda district, where many residents are born with hearing and speech disabilities.
‘Only If the Baby Cries…’ explores the local belief system surrounding childbirth, focusing on the fear, anxiety, and hope of a young couple, Misra Khatoon and Mohammad Iqbal, as they await the arrival of their child. It documents a traditional ritual where villagers make noise around the newborn to determine if the child can hear; the community believes that if the baby cries with its eyes closed, it may be deaf.
Expressing his joy at the film’s international success, director Shadab Farooq said, “This story is very personal to me. I aimed to portray the reality of Dhadkai with honesty and empathy. Winning at Ji.hlava is not just a personal achievement, but a victory for all of J&K. We have many untold stories, and this is just the beginning.”
Cinematographer Sahib Syed Goni said, “Capturing Dhadkai was a deeply moving experience. The landscape is stunning, but the real beauty lies in the resilience of the people. I wanted my visuals to reflect both the serenity of the mountains and the inner strength of the community. It’s an honour to see our work recognised on a global platform.”
Anzer Ayoob highlighted the importance of authentically portraying the village’s culture, saying, “Dhadkai’s story is one that the world needs to hear, and I’m proud that we could bring it to an international audience. This award is a testament to the power of local storytelling and the richness of our culture.”
The entire crew, including sound designer Caster Rinoy Gomez, worked meticulously to create a film that captures the breathtaking visuals of Dhadkai while delving into the emotional and cultural fabric of the village.
Produced by Rajiv Mehrotra and executive produced by Aparna Sanyal of Public Service Broadcasting Trust (PSBT), ‘Only If the Baby Cries…’ has become a beacon of hope for independent filmmakers from smaller regions like Jammu & Kashmir.
The Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival, renowned for showcasing groundbreaking documentaries, featured 22 films competing in its Short Joy section this year, with ‘Only If the Baby Cries…’ emerging as the audience favourite—a remarkable achievement for an Indian documentary. The film’s win includes distribution and promotion on the Dafilms platform, valued at 3,000 EUR.
MLA Doda Mehraj Malik congratulated the team. “This is a proud moment for Doda, for Jammu & Kashmir, and for India. Anzer Ayoob, Shadab Farooq, and Sahib Goni have showcased the talent and potential of the Chenab Valley to the world. Their dedication to telling our region’s stories is truly inspiring.”
The film is available for streaming on the Dafilms platform until November 3rd, allowing viewers globally to experience the powerful story of Dhadkai. It highlights the village’s challenges while celebrating the strength and resilience of its people.
This international success is a significant achievement for Jammu & Kashmir, particularly for the Chenab Valley, serving as a reminder of the rich, untapped stories that lie in this region, waiting to be told. As ‘Only If the Baby Cries…’ continues to gain recognition, it paves the way for more filmmakers from the region to share their unique narratives on the global stage.
For Shadab Farooq, Sahib Syed Goni, and Anzer Ayoob, this documentary is not only a professional milestone but a deeply personal journey. As they celebrate their win, they look forward to continuing their mission of telling impactful stories that reflect the soul of the Chenab Valley.
