Children of the Snow Land
Children of the Snow Land is a 2017 Nepalese English feature documentary film directed by Zara Balfour, and Marcus Stephenson. The film is produced by Zara Balfour, Marcus Stephenson, and Christopher Hird. The documentary stars Nima Gurung, Sangpo Lama, Tsering Deki Lama, and Jeewan Mahatara in the lead roles. The documentary is about education in Nepal.[1] The film premiered at the Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival (KIMFF) on 2017.[2] The film has won Best Documentary at the Victoria Film Festival and London Independent Film Festival.[3]
Children of the Snow Land | |
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Directed by | Zara Balfour Marcus Stephenson |
Starring | Nima Gurung Sangpo Lama Tsering Deki Lama Jeewan Mahatara |
Music by | Chris Roe |
Edited by | Graham Taylor |
Release date |
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Country | Nepal United Kingdom |
Language | Nepali English |
Synopsis
In remote parts of Nepal parents are sending their children to a school run by Buddhist monks in Kathmandu, capital of Nepal hoping to give them a better life. For about ten or more years the children's do not see their parents nor speak to them. Three students including Nima, Sangpo, and Tsering trek back to Himalayas their parents are waiting for them to be raised on the world of technology. Whilst trekking they film themselves and speak to the camera about their thoughts and feelings. Nima describes how his father dropped him at the school with even saying goodbye which made his heartbreak.
Reception
Critical response
The film received praise from critics and audiences. Cath Clarke of The Guardian wrote, "You can count the miles. But with enormous sensitivity the film observes the distance these bright, confident city kids have travelled from poverty," giving it a rating of three out of five.[5] Nigel Andrews of Financial Times wrote, "It’s a wonderfully touching documentary", "And almost a proof that everyone has a story — even a film — inside his or her life."[6] Brady Clark of The Upcoming wrote, "...the tragedy of the documentary is equalled with the warmth of family and the optimism of its subjects." and gave the film three stars out of five.[7]
Accolades
Year | Award | Category | Result | Ref(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|
2018 | Autrans Mountain Film Festival | Prix Ina Best First Film | Won | [8] |
Valletta Film Festival | Teen Choice Award | Won | [9] | |
Audience Award | Won | |||
Nepal Human Rights International Film Festival | Best International Non-fiction | Won | [10] | |
Swiss Mountain Film Festival | Best Film | Won | [11] | |
DOC LA | Best International Documentary | Won | [12] | |
London Independent Film Festival | Best Documentary Feature | Won | [13] | |
2019 | Victoria Film Festival | Best Documentary | Won | [14] |
Cineplex Audience Award | Won |
References
- "British Council Film: Children of the Snow Land". film.britishcouncil.org. Retrieved 2019-03-25.
- "List of kimff Selected Films & kimff Stats – 2017". KIMFF. Retrieved 2019-03-25.
- O’Connell, Alex (2019-03-14). "Children of the Snow Land: Have a good time at school — see you in 12 years". ISSN 0140-0460. Retrieved 2019-03-25.
- "CHILDREN OF THE SNOWLAND – I Will Tell International Film Festival". Retrieved 2019-03-25.
- Clarke, Cath (2019-03-14). "Children of the Snow Land review – city kids trek home to remote lives". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2019-03-25.
- "Subscribe to read". Financial Times. Retrieved 2019-03-25. Cite uses generic title (help)
- Clark, Brady. "Children of the Snow Land | Movie review". The Upcoming. Retrieved 2019-03-25.
- d’Autrans, Festival International du Film de Montagne (2019-02-26). "2018 | Festival International du Film de Montagne d'Autrans". Festival International du Film de Montagne d’Autrans – 04-08 décembre 2019 (in French). Retrieved 2019-03-25.
- "VALLETTA FILM FESTIVAL 2018 -TEENS ONLY". Valletta Film Festival. Retrieved 2019-03-25.
- "WinnerList | Nepal Human Rights International Film Festival". nhriff.hrfilms.org. Retrieved 2019-03-25.
- "SWISS MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL" (PDF).
- "2018 DOC LA — Los Angeles Documentary Film Festival". docla. Retrieved 2019-03-25.
- "London Independent Film Festival". www.liff.org. Archived from the original on 2016-02-24. Retrieved 2019-03-25.
- "VFF 2019 Awards! – Victoria Film Festival". Retrieved 2019-03-25.