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TRENDING
Feb. 20, 2024
Nepali Film Making History in BIFF
Nepali film set to make history at Berlin International Film Festival: “our cinema is ready to compete.”
Shambhala, a Nepali film, is
poised to create history at the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival
(BIFF). This marks the first time a Nepali film will be screened in the
festival’s competition.
The film revolves around Pema, a pregnant woman
residing in a remote village in Nepal’s Dolpa region. Pema finds herself in a
polyandrous relationship with three brothers. When one of her husbands goes
missing, and the village questions the legitimacy of her unborn child, Pema
embarks on a search mission through the harsh Himalayan terrain with another of
her husbands. This journey becomes an "odyssey of self-discovery and
liberation".
Director Min Bahadur Bham brings Shambhala
to life, offering a glimpse into the life and culture of the remote mountain
areas. The film features dialogue in Nepali and Tibetan languages, providing an
authentic portrayal of local and indigenous communities. Bham’s commitment to
storytelling from non-urban settings sets this film apart from commercial Hindi
cinema1.
As the curtain rises on the Berlinale from February
15 to 25, Shambhala stands as a jewel in the crown of Nepal’s burgeoning
film industry, bridging the gap between commercial success and critical
acclaim. This milestone achievement reflects the resilience and creativity of
Nepali cinema, echoing the spirit of exploration and cultural authenticity.
