In the mountain villages of Nepal there is a difficult choice: If you want to have an education, you have to give up your family. If you want to be with your family, you have to give up hope of an education. ‘ Children of the Snow Land’ is an extraordinarily moving, inspirational and absorbing documentary, filmed from the ‘roof of the world’ where families struggle and sacrifice everything to help their children.
From the age of 4 years old, children are sent to school in the city, hoping education means a better life. Unfortunately, this comes with the likelihood they will not see their parents and families for at least 12 years. Moreover, it might be a one-way trip. The film documents the life experiences of children born in the High Himalayas of Nepal and follows the journey of three students as they embark on the perilous trek back to their villages.
The opportunity of Snow Land School’s ‘ Going Home Program’ being filmed and consequently popularised was an unexpected opportunity. Filmmakers Marcus Stephenson and Zara Balflour had previously worked in Nepal and, by chance, discovered Snow Land. Inspired by its vision to educate children in remote areas of the country, their fact-finding mission concludes with this very engrossing, emotional and highly thought-provoking film that captures the natural beauty of the Nepalese landscape, shot through with harsh realities and touching tenderness. The outcome of this even-keeled approach is a documentary film of beauty and roundedness, capturing family life, friendships, love, and sacrifices.
The aim of the documentary is to increase awareness and help improve the lives of Himalayan children attending school far from home by helping them to stay connected with their families, and to ensure they make full use of the education for which they have made such a sacrifice. The film, on general release from March 14th, 2019, has already inspired donations of over $30,000 to directly help the children. For further information on screenings please visit http://childrenofthesnowland.com.
[su_vimeo url=”https://vimeo.com/281460453″]
Movie Rating: 4 stars.
Movie Rating Guide
1 Star = Unwatchable
2 Stars = Cannot Recommend
3 Stars = Great for the Fans
4 Stars = A Solid Movie
5 Stars = Must Own (DVD/Stream Download)
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