Private Project

DOLMA

Dolma, a determined 18-year-old, returns to her village after completing middle school. She dreams of making a positive impact in her community, sharing her aspirations with her closest friend, Phurba. However, Dolma's father, Karma, has different plans. He intends to arrange a fake marriage with his US citizen nephew and send Dolma to America for the betterment of their family's situation.

Undeterred, Dolma confides in her mother, Kinjo, who wholeheartedly supports her. Dolma decides to start an English language class, observing the plight of women in her village. Unfortunately, Phurba is unable to join her as her father has arranged for her to work in Saudi Arabia.

Despite facing opposition from the male members of the village, Dolma finds support from Phurba, who is now in a foreign land, and the principal of her village school where she conducts her classes. Her English language classes empower the women, enabling them to understand and communicate in this unfamiliar language.

In a village function, the women show their gratitude to Dolma by singing an English song. This small gesture further motivates Dolma. Despite her father's persistent attempts to send her to the States, she becomes more mature and dedicates herself to large-scale social work across the country.

Dolma's efforts do not go unnoticed. Her remarkable achievements in various parts of Nepal earn her recognition from the country's president, who rewards her for her exceptional contributions.

  • Pasang Dawa Sherpa
    Director
  • Pasang Dawa Sherpa
    Writer
  • Benjamin Grubbs
    Producer
  • Darren Shaw
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    19 minutes 59 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    September 18, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    20,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Nepal
  • Country of Filming:
    Nepal
  • Language:
    Nepali
  • Shooting Format:
    RED
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Pasang Dawa Sherpa


Pasang Dawa Sherpa is an independent filmmaker and producer based in Nepal. He obtained a bachelor's degree in Screenplay Writing and Film Direction in 2013. His graduation film, "Rattling Fan," released in 2014, received the Audience Choice award and the Best Film Critics award at Ekadeshma and Sahar International Short Film Festival.

As a director and producer, Pasang Dawa Sherpa has created several noteworthy short films. His works include "Life Liberation" (2021), "Dream" (2019), and "Cave" (2016). These films have been screened at renowned international film festivals such as the London Short Film Festival, Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival, Ekadeshma, and Nepal America International Film Festival.

Pasang Dawa Sherpa has also excelled as an editor. His editing credits include "Bagthan" (2022), which was screened at Rotterdam, "Junko" (2021), featured at Fribourg and Torino, "Barking Dogs" (2021), winner of the Best Experimental Award at Tasveer SAFF and Best Short Film at Pame Film Festival, and "Wings" (2018), the Grand Prize winner of Nespresso Talents.

Currently, Pasang Dawa Sherpa is working on his debut feature film project, "A Hidden Tale Behind the Mist." This project has participated in prestigious international platforms such as the Marche Du Film Festival De Cannes Coproduction Days 2021 and NFDC Film Bazaar Co-production Market 2020. It has also been awarded the IFI-PAS award and secured a spot in the Docskool residency program in 2018.

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Director Statement

Dolma's story depicts a courageous young woman who successfully empowers women in her village despite facing constant obstruction from patriarchal forces. Dolma aspires to extend her social work across various Asian countries, showcasing her ambitious nature. From a humble village girl to a nationally recognized figure, Dolma sets her sights on collaborating with other Asian nations, indicating her progressive ambitions.

The film portrays the improved condition of women in Dolma's village, with men realizing that discrimination against women is unsustainable. The village undergoes advancements in various aspects, reflecting progress. After a few years, Dolma's success spreads to different regions of Nepal, where she helps them advance in their own unique ways, ultimately receiving recognition from the president. The advancement of Nepal's social sector is representative of Asia's advancement as a whole, aligning with the theme of "Advancing Asia."

Overall, Dolma represents the new generation of empowered individuals who can raise their voices and achieve their dreams in diverse ways. No one can impede their progress.