“Where the Rivers Run South,” the Nepalese project at the Busan International Film Festival‘s Asian Project Market, has received support from the Asian Cinema Fund’s script development pool.
The film, which aims to tackle head on two timely issues in Nepal today – migrant labor and patriarchy – marks the feature directorial debut of Suraj Poudel, who previously served as editor on Cannes-winning 2022 short “Lori.” Poudel is an alumnus of Busan’s Asian Film Academy, where he won the Chanel X award for most promising filmmaker award in 2022.
“The film delves into the lives of migrant laborers, highlighting the struggles and sacrifices they endure. It offers a glimpse into how Nepali society copes with the absence of a whole generation of its youth, provoking audiences to contemplate the direction in which society is evolving,” Poudel told Variety. “Through the intertwining stories of two generations, two genders, two ideologies, the film explores the intricate dynamics of a society in transition. It poses a poignant question, if a daughter will ever get the place of a son in the eyes of a patriarch.”
“In essence, the film encourages introspection about the societal choices being made and their implications. It serves as a reflection on the complexities of social, economic, and cultural forces shaping the lives of its characters, mirroring broader issues that resonate with nations worldwide facing similar challenges and struggles,” Poudel added.
The film is being produced by Anup Poudel and Abinash Bikram Shah, who produced and directed “Lori” respectively. Both are also Asian Film Academy alumni.
“Suraj’s exceptional talent for storytelling, particularly in capturing local experiences with universal resonance, has consistently inspired us. When he presented the concept for ‘Where the Rivers Run South,’ it deeply resonated with both of us. This conviction led us to choose this project as the next venture for Underground Talkies Nepal, the production company we jointly lead,” Poudel and Shah told Variety.
“We view this project as an opportunity not only to tell a compelling story but also to initiate meaningful conversations and reflections on the challenging choices faced by Nepali youths. We also feel It’s story that resonates with nations like ours in worldwide facing similar challenges and struggles. Our commitment to bringing this story to life underscores our dedication to addressing important societal issues through the medium of film.”
The total budget for the film is $425,000, of which $85,000 has been secured in financing, primarily through private equity from Underground Talkies Nepal. The Asian Cinema Fund has awarded the project $10,000.
Underground Talkies Nepal is also working on “Elephants in the Fog,” which was selected at the Venice Production Bridge recently. Some 70% of the funding has been secured and the film will commence shooting in November 2024.
Anup Poudel, Suraj Poudel, Abinash Bikram Shah
Underground Talkies
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