Here Still

A year ago, I visited Kashmir, the most densely militarized place on earth. It was Ramadan and a temporary cease fire was in place. Still, a young man was run over and killed by an army vehicle after Friday prayers and a general strike was called by separatist leaders.

What I remember most was the sound of morning prayer harmonizing with the light of dawn and the first bird's song. I am inspired by the power of faith and human kindness to lead through the darkest of times. I can’t say the stories I heard in Kashmir weren't devastating – young men blinded by the army and torture survivors with missing limbs. 

After I returned, I partnered with Oakland-based filmmaker, Jamie DeWolf to create a short documentary, Here Still, featuring torture survivors and human rights workers. Here Still was released in conjunction with the first comprehensive report on torture in the region. I invite you to bear witness and share these powerful stories.