On October 8, 2005, a devastating magnitude 7.6 earthquake hit northern Pakistan in the region of Kashmir. The immediate impact left over 75,000 people dead and millions homeless without the basic necessities of life. An estimated 2.2 million children were affected by the disaster, which was the worst earthquake to ever hit Southeast Asia. Ali Khan, an artist and film maker from New York City, began a project to help children who lived in refugee camps as a result of the earthquake. Making the 18 hour journey to the earthquake-affected region, Ali purchased art supplies and headed to Muzaffarabad, the epicenter of the earthquake. He decided to teach these children how to paint, and in the process, begin the process of psychological healing for children who had lost their homes, loved ones and way of life. Filming his experiences, Ali returned to the United States and created a short documentary which will be presented at the South Asian International Film Festival in New York City on October 8, 2006, the one year anniversary of the earthquake. He also began a non profit organization called the Foundation of Young Intellectuals (FYI), a mentorship program which teaches children art education. The children's paintings will be auctioned at local art galleries and proceeds will be used to establish an art school for children in Muzaffarabad.

Forms: Documentary, Experimental, Short
Genres: Educational, Children Live Action, Independent, Magical Realism, Road Trip, War/Peace, Action/Adventure, Reality, Culture, Art, Spiritual
Niches: Asian, Asian American, Islamic, Third World, Youth/Teen, Children