Karuna

After the devastating earthquake of 2015, many women and children disappeared from their homes and villages in Nepal. In the shadow of the mighty Mt. Everest lies some of the world's most active human trafficking trains.
Years before the crushing natural disaster, Sharmila Ghimire lays gasping for breath, her heart struggling to pump blood through her body. Her husband, Dhan Raj Ghimire, desperately pleads to an unknown god for mercy, and her condition stabilizes in response. Weeks later, Sharmila's physician shockingly concludes she is healed of her yearslong heart failure.
Motivated by their miraculous recovery, Sharmila and Dhan Raj resolve to show compassion to the lost and hurting of Nepal. Many families live in the slums where children are not encouraged to attend school, with government apathy allowing for the continuation of human slavery. In spite of the pain and poverty of Nepal, the Ghimire's are betting on an agricultural investment that could change Nepal forever.

  • Eric Herron
    Director
  • Eric Herron
    Producer
  • Dhan Raj Ghimire
    Key Cast
  • Sharmila Ghimire
    Key Cast
  • SMIRTI SIJAPATI
    Key Cast
  • Bhojraj Sedai
    Key Cast
  • Uday Kunwar
    Key Cast
  • Bethany Herron
    Production Sound
  • Carl Palomino
    Post Producer
  • Beast Editorial, San Francisco
    Color Services
  • Carville LLC
    Post Sound
  • Jody Scott
    Sound Mixers
  • Jason Victorine
    Sound Mixers
  • Carter Burwell
    Animation
  • Avery Kim
    Logo and Type Design
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short, Other
  • Genres:
    Docudrama, human trafficking, women, nepal, advocacy, social justice
  • Runtime:
    13 minutes 39 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 31, 2019
  • Production Budget:
    7,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    Nepal
  • Language:
    English, Nepali
  • Shooting Format:
    Canon C200, DJI Osmo
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.39
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Eric Herron

Eric lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, working as a director and editor. He moved from Alabama to the Bay Area 11 years ago and started Philosopher Films with his wife Bethany to capture introspective and thoughtful stories. He is drawn to ideas that are distinctly human with relatable and universal themes. His work ranges from films, commercials, documentaries, and web content.

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Director Statement

I became interested in this project when I fatefully met Dhan Raj Ghimire in San Francisco in 2018. As I listened to him share his story on a chilly Summer morning, I could sense in myself just a small drop of the vast ocean of compassion that he and his wife shared for the hurting people of Nepal. Soon enough, my wife and I were landing in the small Kathmandu airport with rolling bags of photo and video equipment.

From dusty streets to sun-soaked valleys, I felt like we saw something new every moment of our adventure. Similar to those moments was the heartbreak you felt as you saw unwashed shirts cling to the backs of begging children and the suspicious eyes of young girls traumatized by their past sexual violations.

Nepal is a country of contrasts with its Everests and its valleys, its ancient statues of golden deities to the reeking sewers that some call home. Despite the real tragedies, I didn't want to crush the spirit of the audience but rather expose the darkness and the light for what they were. Though there are antagonists to vilify, I wanted to show how bright your candle can be when you take it to places starving for light.

Born out of turmoil and miracles, the Ghimire family has lived a rich story that uplifts those that hear it and often stirs them to action. I hope that the audience will realize their gifts of compassion and creativity and see where they can apply them in their own lives.