Srinagar: Kashmiri feature film The Sledge, written and directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Raja Shabir Khan, has been selected for the International Competition section of the 31st SCHLiNGEL International Film Festival for Children and Young Audiences, scheduled to be held in Chemnitz, Germany, from October 2 to 10.
The film will have its world premiere at the festival, marking a significant milestone for Kashmiri cinema and for the filmmakers and young actors associated with the project.
Set against the snow-covered landscape of Kashmir, The Sledge is a 75-minute Kashmiri-language children’s drama that follows the story of three children who accidentally break their father’s sledge. Fearing punishment, they set out to earn money for its repair by selling kahwa to tourists in Gulmarg. Their plan takes an unexpected turn when they discover a tourist’s bag containing money and chocolates.
The story centres on the moral dilemma faced by the children as they decide whether to use the money to solve their own problem or return it to its rightful owner, exploring themes of honesty, temptation, responsibility and ethical choices.
The film stars Haziq Mohammad Khan, Eashel Khan and Raima Khan in the lead roles. It has been produced and directed by Raja Shabir Khan, while Ramayasa Khan has served as executive producer.
Speaking about the selection, Raja Shabir Khan said it was an honour for the film to have its world premiere in the International Competition section of SCHLiNGEL.
“The film is deeply rooted in Kashmir, its landscape and its people, but the emotions and choices faced by the children are universal. I am particularly happy that the film is reaching an international audience through a festival dedicated to children and young audiences,” he said.
SCHLiNGEL is an established international film festival dedicated to cinema for children and young audiences. Its International Competition section brings together films from different parts of the world and provides a platform for young viewers to engage with diverse stories and cultures.
The selection places a Kashmiri-language children’s feature film in an international competitive festival programme, offering an opportunity to showcase Kashmiri storytelling before global audiences and film professionals.
The world premiere will also mark the international festival debut of the film’s young cast, who are expected to represent both the film and Kashmir on an international platform.
The Sledge will be screened in Kashmiri with English subtitles.
Film details
- Title: The Sledge
- Language: Kashmiri
- Duration: 75 minutes
- Genre: Children’s Feature/Drama
- Director: Raja Shabir Mohd Khan
- Executive Producer: Ramayasa Khan
- Cast: Haziq Mohammad Khan, Eashel Khan, Raima Khan
- Festival: 31st SCHLiNGEL International Film Festival for Children and Young Audiences
- Section: International Competition
- Country: India
- World Premiere: Chemnitz, Germany
- Festival Dates: October 2–10, 2026.
