Amaan Ali

Pages Of Barren Mountains

Pages of Barren Mountains chronicles my remarkable journey while filming a documentary in Hemya, Ladakh, where I had the privilege of capturing breathtaking moments. The children I encountered in the offline zone exuded boundless energy and curiosity, immersing me in their captivating world. As I delved deeper into their story, I discovered the remarkable efforts of the non-profit organisation Lhagsam and the local community to revive the school in Hemya. Witnessing the transformation, I marvelled at the newfound opportunity for children like Kunzang Dorjay and his friends to receive primary education in this rugged mountainous region. They now dare to dream of preserving their cultural heritage and values, once imperilled by limited resources. My long-term project aims to document the lives and growth of underprivileged children in Hemya. As I photographed them immersed in play and exploration, I sensed their yearning for visual representation. For them, the camera became a catalyst, unlocking their hidden curiosity about life\'s wonders. Through creative learning programs, I firmly believe these children can envision a progressive future. With unwavering passion, I strive to safeguard their cultural heritage, recognising education as the pivotal force that can make their dreams a reality.