Kashmiri film Tasrufdaar (Djinns of Kashmir) is set to premiere in the UK at the UK Asian Film Festival, marking a key moment for regional cinema on the global stage.
The film will be screened on May 7 at Rich Mix, Shoreditch, as part of a curated showcase presented by filmmaker Sudhir Mishra.
Directed and produced by Kapil Mattoo, the film marks an important step for regional cinema, bringing a Kashmiri story to an international platform. The filmmaker described the selection as a milestone for local storytelling and an opportunity for Kashmiri voices to reach a global audience.
“The UK Asian Film Festival is one of the most prestigious platforms for South Asian cinema, so I submitted Tasrufdaar (Djinns of Kashmir) online,” Matoo said. Adding “To have it selected for its UK premiere on 7th May in London feels like the story has found its rightful home,” .
The film draws from the cultural and emotional landscape of Downtown Srinagar, weaving themes of memory, grief, and identity with local folklore. It follows the story of two childhood friends—one living and one deceased—who reconnect across the boundary of death, exploring generational trauma and silence.
Through this haunting narrative, the film explores grief, displacement, and emotional silence carried by generations of Kashmiris, woven with the Valley’s rich tradition of djinn folklore. The film is made in the native Kashmiri language, preserving the authenticity of its emotions and cultural depth. Before heading to London for its UK premiere, Tasrufdaar had also premiered in Mumbai, marking another important step in its cinematic journey.
Actor Ashwath Bhat, who plays the titular role, said the film reflects the lived experiences of Kashmiris and aims to open a space for dialogue and healing. He added that its international premiere is a significant moment for Kashmiri cinema.
The cast also includes Mir Sarwar, Bashir Lone, Shafia Maqbool, and Aurooba Javed. With its narrative rooted in the Kashmiri language and culture, the film has already premiered in Mumbai and is now set to reach wider global audiences.
“This film is very close to my heart as I play one of the lead characters and am also one of its producers. It is a beautiful and important film for Kashmir, reflecting the pain of both Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims in a sensitive and non-political way. Despite challenges during the shoot, especially during Eid, the entire team stood together with full dedication. Written and directed by Kapil Mattoo, with a wonderful cast including Ashwath Bhatt and others, and with Krishan Langoo helping us with the Lal Vaakh used in the film, this project will surely touch hearts worldwide. Its premiere at the prestigious UK Asian Film Festival means a lot to all of us, and we are excited to bring it to audiences across the world,” said actor Mir Sarwar.
Filmmakers associated with the project expressed hope that such initiatives will pave the way for more stories from Kashmir to be told on national and international platforms, strengthening the region’s presence in the global film landscape.
A key pillar behind the film’s execution has been RJ Umar Nissar, who serves as Assistant Director and played a crucial role in shaping the project from development to completion. His constant support and creative coordination helped bring Mattoo’s vision to life. Alongside him, associate producers Vipin Sharma and Mir Sarwar, as well as production head Mir Momin, strengthened the film’s journey from Downtown Srinagar to an international festival stage.
“It feels truly special to see our film reach this stage and premiere internationally. It makes us proud and gives us hope for Kashmiri cinema. We believe more such films should be made in Kashmir to tell our stories, reflect our culture, and share our truth with the world,” said Bashir Ahmad Lone
For Mattoo, the London premiere is not the end, but the beginning of a larger vision to see Kashmir recognised as a true film hub where local stories are told by local voices.
As Tasrufdaar travels from the banks of the Jhelum to the streets of London, it carries with it not just a film, but the voice of a Valley finally speaking for itself.
