National 7 (Spotlight Weekly)

Scaling New Heights

The four-day festival portrays the difficulties and challenges of mountain life and climbing

By A CORRESSPONDENT

Beginning with a seminar on mountaineering, the four-day Kathmandu International Mountaineering Film Festival provided a rare opportunity to experience the life and difficulties of the people living in the rugged regions. Organized by the Himal Association, the four-day show screened more than 50 movies from around the world.

From the stories of mountain climbing to the difficulties faced by the mountain people and their culture, audiences found a wide variety of choices. Drawing participation from various parts of the world, the festival had its own special character. Films shot in the mountains of Africa, Latin America, Canada, Europe and Asia were on display.

Presented by Stipe Bozic of Croatia, "Dhaulagiri Express" was based on the successful solo attempt on the south face of the mountain. The film showed the skills of mountain climbing in a hostile atmosphere.

Based on secret, lies and HIV/AIDS, Alex Gabby's "Katmandu's Untold Stories" explained how the deadly disease was penetrating in the valley. Directed by Nabin Subba, "Numafunng" - a beautiful flower - depicted the story of Limbu women and their dealings with men and manners.

"American on Everest", another interesting display, was taken in 1963 when the Americans made their first successful ascent of the world's tallest mountain.

Directed by Indian director Biyot Projna Tripathy, "Be Happy" told the story of people living in the Ladakh region of northern India. It was a story based on the fears and pains of a Ladakhi mother. "Lama Mani" was another interesting film for westerners, which showed the revival of Tibetan Oral Tradition.

"In Search of Malana" depicted the life of Kullu Valle in India. Directed by Vivek Mohan, the film displayed the difficulties and challenges of people. Directed by Pakistani director Farooq Beg, "Taller than the Mountains" told the story of the women living in the mountain areas.

The festival brought an entirely different assortment of films, focusing mostly on the life, nature and culture of mountain regions around the world.

"My story has certainly different theme and I have tried my best to bring the reality in front of the audiences. I am happy that people like it and it received wide media coverage," said Nabin Subba, the producer of the 108-minute narrated stories of a Limbu girl who is battling against tradition. As a film critic himself, Subba has used all his skills to portray the culture of Limbu society through a girl. This is an excellent way of presentation.

The festival began with a half-day seminar on Directions In Himalayan Climbing. Organized jointly by Nepal Mountaineering Association and Himal Association, the participants discussed the trends in mountaineering techniques and styles, the economics of climbing, government controls and its impact. Inaugurated by the Nawang Gombu, renowned mountaineer Doug Scott delivered the keynote address. There were also presentations by Nawang Gombu, Dr. Harka Gurung, Harish Kapadia, Stipe Bozic, Tashi Jangbu Sherma and Doug Scott.

Moderated by Kanak Mani Dixit, the panelists also discussed the safety and security of climbers and support staff, Nepalis in mountaineering, comparative perspectives across the Himalayas and issue of social equity.