Experiencing Interruptions?

Come over for a drink, kanchhi

“Come over for a drink, kanchhi” is the director's confrontation with the popular narrative in Nepal, that alcoholism is the leading cause of the Rai community's backwardness. In her journey to find the truth, she discovers personal stories of Rai women of Sikteltar, Bhojpur who cannot go a day without a single sip of liquor. The revelation comes out as a contrast to the old generational myth that Rai people drink because it is the gift and norm passed onto them by their ancestors.

  • Sikuma Rai
    Director
  • Sikuma Rai
    Writer
  • Sikuma Rai
    Producer
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    अरक चाना बानाओ, सीम्मा (Araka Chaanaa Baanaawo, Simma)
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Genres:
    Culture, Mental health, Food, women, ethnicity
  • Runtime:
    25 minutes 51 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 31, 2020
  • Production Budget:
    1,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Nepal
  • Country of Filming:
    Nepal
  • Language:
    Nepali
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, 55mm, 15-45mm
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Pame Film and Music Festival
    Kathmandu
    Nepal
    September 4, 2020
    Nepal Premiere
  • Nepal Human Rights International Film Festival
    Kathmandu
    Nepal
    November 29, 2020
  • Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival
    Kathmandu
    Nepal
    December 12, 2020
    Jury Special Mention, Nepal Panorama Category
  • Rising Garden Film Festival
    New Delhi
    India
    March 12, 2021
    International Premiere (India)
  • One World Media Awards 2021

    United Kingdom
    June 27, 2021
    UK premiere
    Nominated for the Short Film Award category
Director Biography - Sikuma Rai

Sikuma Rai is a multimedia storyteller based in Nepal and the UK. She has also been working as a multimedia journalist in Nepal for the past four years. For Sikuma, the process of storytelling and documentary is a way to enrich her life with experiences and come closer to the realities around her. In that undertaking, she shapes her identities. She aspires to see stories through a sociological lens and create an analytical understanding of our diverse communities.

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Director Statement

“Come over for a drink, kanchhi” is my first documentary and a very personal one. I began filming not knowing what I might discover but looking back at the whole process, from pre-production to post-production and beyond, it has not only transformed the story I wanted to cover but also me. I am pleased that Nepal loved the documentary, and many found the story universally relatable, and I hope the same with countries around the world. Please enjoy the stories of Nepali women.