Josée Lajoie (Co-Producer, Co-Editor) was born and raised in Montreal, Canada. In the United States, she began her second career as a filmmaker when she received a Master of Fine Arts from the experimental animation program at Cal Arts. She now works as a technical director of animation in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she collaborates with Tariq.


Hilal Ah. Langoo (Co-Producer, Translator, Assistant Director) is Tariq’s first cousin. He studies computer science in Nishat District, Srinagar where he lives with his mother and sisters, who also appear in Zero Bridge as Bani’s family. This is his first foray into filmmaking.


Ben Huff (Sound Editor and Mixer) is a sound designer and documentary filmmaker in Southern California.  His most recent project, Never Mind the Fences focuses on the underground music scene in Wichita, Kansas.  Aside from his film work, Ben is also a prolific musician who produces and performs around Los Angeles.




Tariq Tapa was born in New York City. He made his debut feature Zero Bridge in Kashmir over nine months with a cast of only non-professionals and no crew. It premiered at the 2008 Venice Film Festival. He lives in California.


Ali Muhammed Dar (Uncle Ali) is a full-time mason and carpenter who lives with his family in Nishat District, Srinagar. Zero Bridge is his debut.



Mohamad Emran Tapa (Dilawar) is Tariq’s first cousin. He attends Greenland High School in Nigeen District, Srinagar where he lives with his family. Zero Bridge is his debut.

Taniya Khan (Bani Sheikh) studied computer science at St. Xavier in Shimla, India. She lives with her family in Ladakh, Kashmir. Zero Bridge is her debut.

Zero Bridge                                                      (2008, 96 mins)

Custody                                                           (2005, 10 mins)

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