The critically acclaimed Kashmiri feature film Shushur The Frozen Times has officially been selected at the 11th International Film Festival of Shimla (IFFS) 2025, scheduled to be held from 5th to 7th September 2025 at the historic Gaiety Theatre in Shimla.
This marks a proud and historic moment for the entire cast and crew of Shushur The Frozen Times, which is the first feature film from Kashmir released in cinemas after a gap of 60 years. The film has garnered widespread appreciation for its powerful narrative, strong performances, and cinematic craftsmanship.
A suspense thriller drama, Shushur tells the haunting story of a woman whose husband has been missing for the past 30 years—leaving her emotionally frozen in time. Through a deeply human lens, the film explores themes of loss, resilience, memory, and time.
The film has been directed and co-written by Gul Reyaz, a noted filmmaker from Kashmir, along with celebrated writers Dr. Sohan Kaul and Fayaz Dilber. The production stands as a landmark achievement in regional cinema, with 95% of the technical and creative team hailing from the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir—including the cast, cinematographers, sound designers, editors, and production crew.
“This selection is not only a recognition of the hard work and talent of our team but also a moment of celebration for Kashmiri cinema,” said director Gul Reyaz. “To have a story from the heart of Kashmir showcased on such a prestigious platform reaffirms our commitment to telling deeply rooted, universal stories.”
The International Film Festival of Shimla is known for showcasing thought-provoking and innovative films from across India and the world. The inclusion of Shushur in its official selection highlights the revival of meaningful cinema from Kashmir and gives a platform for regional voices to reach wider audiences.
The screening at IFFS 2025 is expected to draw attention from film lovers, critics, and industry professionals, further boosting the film’s growing recognition.
