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DURGA: Forging a New Trail

"DURGA: Forging a New Trail" tells the story of 34-year-old Durga Rawal, the only guide of any gender from her village in northern Nepal. In a country where boys receive an education, men seek employment in larger cities and girls and women are often left to work on family farms and within their homes, Durga’s is a story of defying cultural, societal and familial expectations to pursue an independent life. It is a story of female empowerment and gender equality about a brave young woman who is forging her own trail.

  • Emily Hopcian
    Director & Producer
  • Alan Schwer
    Director of Cinematography & Editor
  • Emily Hopcian & Alan Schwer
    Writer
  • Kopal Goyal
    Still Photography
  • Yogesh Nepal
    Production Assistant & Translator
  • Kenny Lyon & Leah María Suárez
    Original Score
  • Kenny Lyon
    Sound Mix
  • Francisco Cigna
    Colorist
  • Hallie Kohler
    Graphic Design
  • Abhiyantrik Technology Pvt. Ltd. & Hom Acharya
    Transcription & Translation
  • Durga Rawal
    Key Cast
  • Soniya Rawal
    Key Cast
  • Asmita Gayak
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    20 minutes 28 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 10, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    30,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    Nepal
  • Language:
    English, Nepali
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • No Man's Land Film Festival
    Aspen, CO
    United States
    March 6, 2021
    World Premiere
    Best of Festival
  • Mountainfilm
    Telluride, CO
    United States
    May 28, 2021
  • London Mountain Film Festival
    London
    United Kingdom
    March 15, 2021
    European Premiere
  • Maine Outdoor Film Festival
    Portland, Maine
    United States
    Inspiration Award
  • Detroit SheTown Film Festival
    Detroit, MI
    United States
    October 1, 2021
    Best Documentary
  • Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival
    Banff, Alberta
    Canada
    October 30, 2021
    Canadian Premiere
  • Fresh Coast Film Festival
    Marquette, MI
    United States
    October 15, 2021
  • Frankfort Film Festival
    Frankfort, MI
    United States
    October 21, 2021
  • NZ Mountain Film Festival

    New Zealand
    Oceania Premiere
  • All Living Things Environmental Film Festival

    India
    October 9, 2021
    Asian Premiere
Director Biography

Emily Hopcian is a storyteller and content producer with a focus on character-driven stories of outdoor adventure and social and environmental impact. In her four years with One World Play Project, she explored, shaped and directed more than 27 videos featuring stories from Brazil, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Haiti, Italy, Kenya, Myanmar, South Africa and the U.S. Throughout the past 10 years, Emily has written, directed and produced stories for National Geographic Adventure, REI Co-op Journal, She Explores, Stay Wild Magazine, RANGE Magazine, One World Play Project, Traverse Magazine and more. Currently based in Bariloche, Argentina, Emily seeks to tell the stories of everyday explorers on extraordinary adventures. She's passionate about telling truly local stories that carry universal themes to inspire global understanding and connection.

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Director Statement

“Durga’s story is one of pursuing her dreams and stepping into a life that is uniquely hers—in spite of the narratives set forth by her family and community and Nepal’s society and culture. It is my hope that Durga’s story will resonate with people who experience this film and that they will feel inspired and encouraged to explore, chase and live into their dreams. I also hope people will see that their choices—such as intentionally traveling with a local, female guide—carry power to positively evolve industries, communities and individual lives. I am proud of our multinational crew for coming together to create and share this story in this way. I am grateful to Durga for welcoming us into her life; introducing us to her family, friends and community; and sharing her story so authentically and courageously on camera.” – Emily Hopcian, Director + Producer, DURGA: Forging a New Trail