KATHMANDU: The documentary ‘A Day in the Life of a Himalayan Shepherd’ directed by journalist Manchhiring Tamang has won the Best Documentary Award at various film festivals in the United States.
Born and raised in Ruby Valley, Dhading, Nepal, he has made a 20-minute short film based on sheep farming in the same Himalayan region.
The short film recently won the Best Documentary Award at the Newark Short Film Festival in New Jersey, USA.
It also won the ‘Best Film’ and ‘Best Music’ awards in August 2019 in Toronto. He also won the first runner-up award for Best Documentary at the Colony International Short Film Festival held in March 2018 in Ohio, USA.
The film has been screened at the Tryon International Film Festival, Seth International Film Festival London, Hudson Valley Film Festival, New York, Kansas City Underground Film Festival, Australian Independent International Film Festival and Chicago Aladaerri International Film Festival.
The 20-minute short film captures the daily life of Khariman Tamang, 45, of Sertung, Dhading, who is involved in animal husbandry, following in the footsteps of his grandfather and father.
Despite the difficult geography and weather challenges, Khariman takes care of his sheep. No matter how difficult it may be, they feel proud of their profession. He is supporting his family including his wife, two sons and a daughter by raising the sheep.
“He is a father who is in a dilemma whether his children will follow in his footsteps or engage in other occupations,” says director Tamang.
Director Tamang is proud of the awards he has received for his short film and wants to create an environment conducive to the disappearing Himalayan animal husbandry business.
However, with increasing modernization, this business is becoming unsustainable. Director Tamang, on the other hand, seems optimistic that something good can be done for the shepherds.
The beautiful Himalayan region of Ruby Valley is close to the capital Kathmandu but lacks modern amenities. Born and raised in the same environment, director Tamang has succeeded in making his film come alive.
His father and grandfather were also involved in sheep farming in the same area. Through the film, Tamang aims to bring the beauty of the culture and traditions of the Nepali Tamang community to the world.
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