Filmmaker Faraz Ali is making waves with his short film Obur. The movie, shot entirely on an iPhone, just scooped up four Critics’ Choice Awards, including Best Film and Direction.
Obur tells a simple yet powerful story of a young boy and his mom in Kashmir. It takes a fresh look at the Valley, steering clear of military drama and instead spotlighting everyday struggles—like living through a power cut.
Ali, who hails from Allahabad (now Prayagraj), says he wanted to show the human side of Kashmir. “There’s life beyond the gun,” he says. “People smile, have fun, even play cricket in the streets.”
Shooting on a phone wasn’t just a creative move, but a smart one too. The mobile setup helped his small crew access remote snowy areas without big equipment. Plus, first-time actors were more at ease with a phone than a big camera.
Ali believes true storytelling comes from emotion, not just facts. “Sky is blue, sure—that’s a fact. But it might make me feel sad, and someone else feel joy,” he shares. His gut feeling often guides his creative choices.
Now planning a comedy set in Kashmir, Ali doesn’t want to box himself into one style. Awards or no, he just wants to keep cinema magical, ethical, and fun for everyone on set. And maybe, he says, his work will inspire someone in Kashmir to pick up a phone and shoot their own beautiful story.