November 13, 2005
After the successful screening of the three documentary films directed by popular Nepali journalist/television anchor Dil Bhusan Pathak in Amsterdam, it was also screened with grand success in Paris today /Sunday.
The film was screened in the hall of Sagarmatha Restaurant in Paris among the large number of audiences from Nepal, France and representatives of diplomatic and international organizations. The event was coordinated by Binod Khakurel and Dadi Sapkota.
All three films were screened in the Himalaya Film Festival, Amsterdan, November 4 to 6th 2005, with participation by a large number of international film makers and audience. A total number 70 high quality and a variety of films by international film makers were screened.
The three films represent three regions of the country. Newsroom Bahira presents the rudimentary health practice of abortion, by using hot rod with crude herbal paste in Accham, far west Nepal. Suk Bahadur Adhikari-Class IV presents the quest for education of a 79 years old man from Kaski, the western region. A man who has "the Art of Living" and 50 years experience as a driver in India from the colonial period to independent India and is now studying in class IV with his grand daughter. The third film Demons Delight presents the legendary practice of pacifying the souls of the dead ancestors who have died due to unnatural means.
 The films were premiered earlier in Kathmandu and a charity show was also organized by Kathmandu University.
Dil Bhusan Pathak, News Coordinator, Kantipur Television Network, after more than a decade's career in media has ventured into independent film-making based on the various practices of the Nepali culture, society and systems.
A seasoned traveler, he has wide experience and exposure to various situations in the country. Acquisition of this knowledge, gained over the years, has inspired him to delve into making of documentaries with the intention to highlight various issues of concern. Newsroom Bahira, a milestone in the film-making career of Pathak, is his formal entry into the world of film-making.
Shikha Prasai, the producer of the three films, is among those few female documentary film makers of Nepal who has ventured into this field after a varied experience in research and management.
Interface is a production house leaded by Dil Bhusan Pathak providing a broad range of services in media and productions. Interface has involvement of a highly experienced and creative team of independent professionals from media houses.
 Synopsis of the film
Newsroom Bahira…
outside the news room …
Exploring beyond screen: A television anchor's pursuit of the news story off-screen.
Reading the news of Sushila gives him a sudden chill. Her death is not ordinary. Abortion by the most conservative and unhygienic means i.e. by inserting a hot rod with crude herbal paste to kill the womb which in the process also perforates the internal body parts causing irreparable damage and death. On a sudden sense of impulse, Dil Bhusan embarks his journey to the remote district of Accham in pursuit of the story. The revelations are astounding which inspires him to document the story giving it a form to share it with all.
Duration : 22 minutes 50 seconds
Suk Bahadur Adhikari, Class IV
Quest of a 79 year old man for education.
50 years of prime time in India as a driver has taught Suk Bahadur many lessons in life. He has been to the kitchens of the Maharajas, served the British India Government and saw the Indian National Movement. In the 50 years he also got acquainted with Meena Kumari, Sunil Dutt, Ashok Kumar; Gandhi, Nehru, Sardar Patel some of the popular Indian idols. But upon return after such an extensive living Suk Bahadur, instead of retiring, dreams of fulfilling his unfulfilled dream of pursuing his school education even at the age of 79. His granddaughter attending the same class helps him with his assignments. Though hearing has been his main problem his efforts and results are commendable so are his insights on life, religion, culture and development.
Duration : 24 minutes
Demon's Delight
A feast to heal the souls in distress
Paneru Village
3km from Kathmandu
Around midnight, 11 June, 2005
Demons and Human Beings are gathering for a feast.
The whole village of Paneru Gaun, prepare for the special ceremony- khalli, which takes 52 days. The purpose is to invite the demonic souls, souls of the dead due to unnatural means, for a rare feast in the belief of pacifying these souls of their ancestors, for peace and prosperity thereafter. The youth of the village, who are possessed by the demons, during the ritual, have further reason to participate as dangrees. They want to experiment and find whether this belief is just a myth or a reality. The climax of the legendary ceremony is the final dance on the fire, agni pariksha, to test the truth of their demonic possession.
Duration : 25 minutes |
