Journey to Yarsa

Nepal, Documentary, 2011, 55 min, Nepali w/ English subtitles.

Director: Dipendra Bhandari. Producer: Adventure Nepal Production, Disu Bhandari (Manadhar) (Co-presentation w/ Planet in Focus and Film South Asia).

Synopsis

Thousands of families in Rukum District (western Nepal) leave their villages and flock the high altitude meadows in the Himalayas every summer in search of Yarsa Gumba (cordyceps). Due to the high demands of cordyceps in the Chinese market in recent years, the over-harvesting is likely to affect the region’s ecosystem. Stunningly shot, the documentary unravels stories of everyday hardships, struggles, and failures while paying tribute to human resilience, hope and conviction amidst harsh geography and climatic conditions.

About Director

Dipendra Bhandari has been involved in the field of documentary making and production since 1999. He has Diploma in Television Production from Academic of Audio Visual Arts and Sciences (AA-VAS). He has been working with major Television stations In Nepal such as Nepal Television and Kantipur Television. Journey to Yarsa is his first documentary film.

Previous Screening and Awards

• Best Debut Film Award, Film South Asia 2011, Kathmandu, Nepal
• Audience Choice Award, Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival 2011, Nepal

Co-presentation