Kathmandu, Nepal (September 2024) – In an unprecedented achievement for Nepalese cinema, the feature film SHAMBHALA, entirely shot in the remote Upper Dolpa region of Nepal, is set to premiere in the Main Competition at the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale). This marks a historic milestone as Nepal’s first-ever entry into the Main Competition at one of the world’s top film festivals. Additionally, SHAMBHALA is the first South Asian film in over three decades to secure a spot in Berlinale’s Main Competition, a testament to its groundbreaking impact.
Directed by acclaimed Nepalese filmmaker Min Bahadur Bham, SHAMBHALA is also the first Nepalese film to be selected for the Locarno Film Festival’s Piazza Grande, further cementing its position as a significant cinematic achievement from the region.
The film’s logline offers a glimpse into the rich narrative: In a Himalayan polyandrous village, pregnant Pema faces societal scrutiny after her first husband, Tashi, disappears during a trade journey to Lhasa. With the guidance of her de facto husband, the monk Karma, she embarks on a physical journey that gradually transforms into a spiritual quest of self-discovery and liberation.
The ensemble cast features performances from talented actors, including Thinley Lhamo, Sonam Topden, Tenzin Dalha, and Karma Wangyal Gurung. The film boasts a dynamic crew led by director Min Bahadur Bham, who co-wrote the screenplay with Abinash Bikram Shah. The cinematography, captured by Aziz Zhambakiyev, and music composed by Nhyoo Bajracharya, highlight the film’s deep connection to the natural and cultural landscape of Nepal.
Produced by Shooney Films, SHAMBHALA promises to be a cinematic experience that elevates Nepal’s film industry on the global stage. World sales are being handled by Best Friend Forever (BFF), with Apple Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.as the film’s Nepal distributor.
SHAMBHALA is set to release in Nepal on 13th of September.