After having travelled scores of countries across the globe, Debra Tillery, Canadian filmmaker and writer says that there is no place on earth safer than Kashmir for tourists.
What makes Kashmir safer, she promptly replies ‘its people’. “It is loving, caring nature of the people in Kashmir which makes even female solo travellers like me feel at ease. In my two week journey, never ever I felt there is any threat.”
Debra who was in Kashmir for shooting travel video showcasing the other side of the valley i.e. its art and craft was amazed to see intrinsic craft and art in this place.
Her half hour documentary which she shot during her stay focuses on artisans belonging to various sectors of art and craft in Kashmir. She says she wants to showcase treasure of art and craftsmanship of Kashmir before the whole world so that people across continents will be able to see Kashmir’s real beauty.
She visited paper machie workplace, where an artisan was painting some amazing combinations which looks unreal.She also visited and shot at wood carving workplace, the way artisans were designing intricate designs out of wood.
It is out of this world,” she said adding that despite having a huge talent, all the artisans I meet were down to earth.”
Debra further said they visited carpet making workplace, houseboats and beautiful locales such as Naranag, Shalimar and other places. “Kashmir has got a beautiful landscape, it can beat any place on merits of its beauty. I also took shoots of these places, which I feel would help in promoting the place across the globe through my documentary.”
Most of her journey was focused on exploring the Kashmir indigenous craft and highlight the plight of artisans. She is going to showcase the documentary at international platforms and film festivals in Canada.
Before signing off, Debra has a message for her fellow countrymen and people living in European countries.
“There is no place like Kashmir. I can vouch for it. Humility of people, Kashmiri food is just amazing. Besides, women are very safe, as a solo woman traveler I have travelled around 35 countries, but never ever have I felt so comfortable. My suggestion would be to all the foreigners to visit Kashmir once in lifetime.”
She also had a word of thanks to owners of centre tour and travel who facilitated her stay and shoot in Kashmir. “Bashir and RafiqKarnai were good professionals who ensured to provide every facility for my shoot. I am overwhelmed by their goodwill. Besides, Director Tourism helped a lot. I thank all my Kashmiri friends.”
