SRINAGAR : Ladakhi feature film Birds on Ice, which explores the growing ice-hockey culture in Ladakh through a coming-of-age story, is set to have its world premiere at the 31st Busan International Film Festival in South Korea next month.
The film, directed by filmmaker Sahil H. Shah, has been selected for the ‘A Window on Asian Cinema’ section of the prestigious festival, scheduled to be held from October 6 to 15.
Ahead of its international premiere, Chief Secretary, Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, on Saturday unveiled the official poster of the film at PVR Leh.
Kundra congratulated the film’s producer, director, cast and crew, saying the selection provided an international platform to a story rooted in Ladakh’s sporting culture and local life.
He appreciated the filmmakers for showcasing Ladakh’s ice-hockey tradition, local talent and winter landscape through cinema, and expressed hope that the film would help highlight the region’s growing passion for the sport besides promoting its potential as a destination for winter sports and creative storytelling.
The poster launch was attended by DGP Ladakh Anand Jain, Secretary Education/Youth Services and Sports Bhanu Prabha, Secretary Tourism Sanjeet Rodrigues, former Chief Executive Councillor Tashi Gyalson, BJP UT President Tashi Khachu, senior officers of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and members of the film’s cast and crew.
Speaking at the event, Shah recalled the challenges involved in shooting the film in Ladakh’s harsh winter conditions. The film was shot over two months in sub-zero temperatures, with a predominantly Ladakhi cast and crew.
Birds on Ice follows the world of ice hockey in Ladakh through the story of Paami, an ice-hockey coach and national-team player, played by Indian national ice-hockey player Padma Chorol in her acting debut.
The film’s selection at Busan marks a significant international platform for Ladakhi-language cinema and is expected to bring Ladakh’s sporting culture, landscapes and local voices before audiences from across the world.
The Busan International Film Festival is one of Asia’s major film festivals, with Birds on Ice set to make its international debut in the South Korean port city in October.
