Entertainment

Will the Oscar Come to Nepal?

After the nomination of Eric Velli’s ‘Caravan’ for the Oscar Academy awards, Nepal is being recognized world-over for its queer yet beautiful geographic location. Caravan’s success story has turned Nepal into a natural shooting studio. In fact, numerous European newspapers have carried reports about the eagerness shown by various film-makers to come and shoot films in this Himalayan kingdom.

This is seen not only to provide a boost to the tourism industry, but also a beacon of light - though very dim - for the ailing Nepali economy.

Although having bagged several awards for his documentary film ‘Honey Hunters’ - also shot in Nepal - ‘Caravan’ is Velli’s first step into mainstream cinema. And it has indeed been a bright beginning, for his first film itself has gained him entry into the Oscars. This is no mean feat considering that ‘Caravan’ has been nominated in the foreign film category - the only category open to non-American movies. Gaining entry into any other 52 categories requires that the film-maker be an American citizen.

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Targetig the Oscar: A scene from Caravan

The story prior to the beginning of the shooting of ‘Caravan’ is also very fascinating. It is learnt that Velli had initially conceptualized ‘Caravan’ as a documentary. His meeting with Neer Shah saw ‘Caravan’ in a new light - as a celluloid film. But that was about the only easy decision Velli had to make. He was soon faced with the difficulty of obtaining money to shoot the film. It was at this time that Neer Shah offered to make an investment and also act as advisor in the venture. Although Shah had put in Rs. 2.5 million initially, his investment totaled Rs. 3.2 million. The cost of shooting for the film - which also had investments coming in from France, England and Switzerland - in Nepal alone amounted to Rs. 100 million while at the completion, the film is said to have incurred a total put in of Rs. 320 million.

The artistes starring in ‘Caravan’ - shot extensively in Dolpa - have had much to gain. While the main artiste of the film, Thinle, has already had the opportunity to tour around the world, the family and children of all the stars of ‘Caravan’ have been provided free education in schools run by Gallery Films. Even the artistes that had minor roles in the film were paid a daily wage of Rs. 300 during the nine-month long shooting period. Also, the entire ‘Caravan’ unit was lodged in Dolpa for the nine months, providing the locals opportunity to cater to the unit and earn their living. Thus, ‘Caravan’ has played an important role in enhancing the economic status of the Dolpaalis. Of the Rs. 100 million, other than the cost of direct material input and technical manpower remunerations, the money was all spent within the country. ‘Caravan’ has thus shown that apart from popularizing the name of the country, a foreign film also brings with it opportunity for employment and also, for foreign currency earning. It is therefore a win-win situation all the way and the time is just right to lure in other overseas film-makers who are already eager to come to Nepal. All they need in a smiling welcome.

At a time when the word ‘quality’ seems to have been wiped off the dictionary of Nepali film-makers, ‘Caravan’ has taught a few good lessons. All film makers from those who point out the lack of interesting subject matters to those who blame the lack of market, have been kicked alive by ‘Caravan’. But of course, to put together investment to finance a film of such stature would be no child play. Neer Shah for one is confident that if he had funds of such large scale at his disposal, he would be able to come up with good Nepali movies. Shah admits that the lesson he has learnt from ‘Caravan’ relates to the fact that even if it means teaming up with foreign players, it is important that quality films are made.

Unfortunately, there is also a sad story linked with ‘Caravan’. Much effort had to be put into convincing the authorities at the Oscars that ‘Caravan’ was actually a Nepali film. The Ministry for Education and Culture and the Tourism Ministry both played their parts in the role. Unfortunately, ‘Caravan’ is also required to pay taxes to HMG like any other overseas film. The film has not received any facility a Nepali film is entitled to. Any common man who understands the meaning of the word ‘film’ will feel sorry for ‘Caravan’. But then our authorities, no matter in what sector, are known to play double roles.

Nonetheless, come March 26, and we will all know if ‘Caravan’ and with it, Nepal, is successful in making history. Perhaps the award itself will not be as important to us as the hordes of foreign cinema-makers that might wish to come and make films here in Nepal, thus giving our economy a boost. All the same, we would all definitely want the Oscars to come to Nepal.