Gulzar and his best buddy Afzal live in the war torn area of Kashmir and plan to run off to the city while Gulzar’s uncle is on a pilgrimage. But as soon as he leaves, martial law is declared in the village and their plans are pushed back. It’s at this time that beautiful environmental specialist Asifa arrives in the village. Gulzar is attracted to Asifa who pays little heed to the war and is only interested in the environment. Afzal is overcome with jealousy and ends their friendship. The war-torn and poverty-stricken Kashmir is a place of little hope. Escape seems to be the only answer. But in <Valley of Saints> it is also a place many call home?a place difficult to leave behind. The place where young men felt no beauty is rediscovered in all its glory through Asifa’s eyes and is resurrected as a place where history lives through the uncle’s absolute faith. This film never ignores reality but still manages to create a picture of a place full of romance and fun. (CHO Young-jung)