Private Project

Divine Dilemma

Divine Dilemma tells the tale of the Indra Jatra festival, an age-old tradition in Nepal. The festival is a colorful celebration of Nepal's Newari culture that showcases the country's rich cultural heritage. Dating back centuries, the festival is steeped in deep-rooted traditions, customs, and evolved beliefs.
The documentary’s heart lies in a story of gods and mortals. According to legend, Indra, the Godking of Heaven, while in mortal disguise, came down to earth to find the pure 'parijat' flower for his mother, Basundhara. The locals of Kathmandu found the mortal god stealing flowers, which they considered pure. Enraged, the citizens of Kathmandu valley arrested Indra and paraded him around the city as a criminal. When the god was released later, his mother Basundhara blessed the people of Kathmandu. This is a story of gods and mortals and the common people standing strong for their belief and faith and a sense of community and common pursuit.

  • K. P. Pathak
    Director
  • Diwas Guragain
    Writer
  • Rashik Pathak
    Producer
  • Niranjan Sigdel
    Producer
  • Ronik Pathak
    Producer
  • Ramesh Dhamala
    Cinematographer
  • Jyoti Simha Thakuri
    Cinematographer
  • Shiva Puri
    Editor
  • Pradeep Shrestha
    Background Score
  • Keshab Khanal
    Illustrator
  • Ishor Ghimire
    Production Manager
  • Sunita Rajbhandari
    Translator
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    36 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    January 1, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    10,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Nepal
  • Country of Filming:
    Nepal
  • Language:
    Nepali
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Maracay International Film & Video Festival 2024
    Maracay
    Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
    Best Documentary Short FIlm
  • South Asian Short Film Festival 2024
    Kolkata
    India
    Official Selection
  • FECIP - Portoviejo Film Festival 2024
    Portoviejo
    Ecuador
    Official Selection
  • Canal de Panama International Film Festival
    Panama City
    Panama
    Official Selection
  • World Film Festival Kolkata 2024
    Kolkata
    India
    Official Selection
Director Biography - K. P. Pathak

K.P. Pathak is a Nepali filmmaker who has been active in the film industry since 1987. He is also an entrepreneur and a social activist who has advocated for better worker rights and the right to free speech in the Nepali film scene. Pathak is also the Chairperson of the non-profits Nepal Film and Cultural Academy (NFCA) and Nepal International Film Festival (NIFF), which aim to promote Nepali film and culture internationally. He has an extensive film portfolio, which includes directing, producing, writing, and acting in various telefilms, documentaries, features, and short films. Pathak has also received numerous awards and accolades for his work in the film industry, including multiple national awards for his feature film Maina (2008).

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Director Statement

As a proud Nepali filmmaker, I feel a strong responsibility to share our rich cultural heritage with the world. Indra Jatra festival is a vibrant celebration passed down through generations, and it's important to me to promote it and showcase its significance. Through this documentary, I hope to offer viewers a window into the festival's history, cultural activities, and significance. This festival truly represents our diverse culture and traditions, and I believe it's crucial to celebrate and honor these traditions that have stood the test of time. I believe that sharing these cultural practices with the world can strengthen our social harmony and promote mutual understanding between different communities. As a filmmaker, I see it as my responsibility to document these traditions and present them in a way that is accessible and informative to a wide audience. My values and beliefs center around preserving our cultural heritage and showcasing the beauty of our traditions. I hope to inspire others to appreciate and celebrate our rich Nepali cultural identity through this documentary.