It Is This

Directed by: Rizza Alee

Stage:
- Finished Project
Location:
- India
Updated: July 9, 2026
Project Type:
- Short
Project Style:
- Narrative/Doc Mix,
- Personal
Theme Subject:
- Adventure,
- History,
- Music

Logline

Against the breathtaking Himalayan backdrop of Kashmir, IT IS THIS follows a new generation of underprivileged local snowboarders who find freedom, identity, and escape on the powder-covered slopes of Gulmarg while navigating life under military occupation.

Synopsis

Synopsis

Nestled high in the Himalayas, the mountain town of Gulmarg is known around the world for its legendary snowfall and pristine terrain. Every winter, snowboarders travel from across the globe in search of deep powder and adventure. But among them is a growing community few people know exists: young Kashmiri riders who have transformed a foreign sport into their own.

IT IS THIS chronicles the emergence of snowboarding in Kashmir through the experiences of local

...

Synopsis

IT IS THIS chronicles the emergence of snowboarding in Kashmir through the experiences of local riders who navigate the contradictions of growing up in one of the world's most heavily militarized regions while pursuing a sport built on freedom, creativity, and self-expression. For many of them, snowboarding began with little more than curiosity. Equipment was scarce, training was inaccessible, and the culture surrounding the sport felt distant from their everyday reality. Yet despite these obstacles, a generation of Kashmiri youth has carved out a place for itself on the mountains that have always surrounded them.

As they ride through Gulmarg's vast alpine landscapes, the film explores the relationship between place, identity, and freedom. The mountains become more than a backdrop; they are a refuge, a playground, and a source of possibility. Here, the exhilaration of movement offers a temporary escape from the political tensions and economic hardships that shape life beyond the slopes.

Shot entirely on GoPro cameras, IT IS THIS places viewers directly inside the experience of snowboarding in Kashmir. From silent chairlift rides and long hikes into untouched terrain to exhilarating descents through deep Himalayan powder, the film immerses audiences in the physical and emotional world of its subjects. The camera becomes an extension of the riders themselves, capturing not only the thrill of the sport but also the friendships, aspirations, and resilience that sustain this emerging community.

At once a portrait of a place rarely seen beyond headlines and a celebration of youth finding joy in unexpected ways, IT IS THIS is a story about reclaiming space, redefining identity, and discovering moments of freedom where they are least expected.

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Team

Rizza Alee

Director

Team

Rizza Alee

Director

Rizza is an adventurer, athlete, and filmmaker known for his extensive coverage of Mount Everest and the Himalayas. He was part of the tragic 2019 Everest expedition, and his viral photo raised awareness of over-trafficking on the mountain. His short documentary, 'Everest, The Mountain That Changed My Life,' has garnered 4.6 million views on YouTube. He appeared in the National Geographic documentary 'A Deadly Ascent,' which won a Gold Medal at the World Media Festival. In May 2022, Al Jazeera released 'Kashmir: Skiing in a Conflict Zone,' featuring Rizza as host, 2nd DP, co-director, and co-producer. He was honored as one of Google Maps' Top Photographers in 2021. He co-produced and directed 'It Is This,' a short film about snowboarding in Kashmir that won the Audience Award at the Astoria Film Festival in June 2023. Currently, he is working as co-producer/co-director on 'Climbing My Everest,' a documentary on mental health, and co-producing 'Balouch Voices,' a film about Afro-Iranian music and culture.

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