Private Project

THE EVEREST MOM

"The Everest Mom" is the unstoppable true biopic story of Kalpana Maharjan. A daughter once silenced, a mother pushed to the edge and a woman the world underestimated. From the shadows of personal pain to the icy heights of Everest, she shattered every barrier, climbing not once but twice, from both the Nepal and China sides. She became the first female journalist in history to conquer Everest from both directions, a groundbreaking feat that shattered records and earned her a place in the World Book of Records. This gripping biopic reveals the raw truth of a woman who refused to break, rising through struggle, sacrifice and silence to inspire a generation. Kalpana doesn’t just climb mountains, she shatters every barrier built to hold women down and rises for every voice silenced by ‘You can’t.

  • Sangita Shrestha
    Director
    Sangita Shrestha is a renowned Nepali film director known for her critically acclaimed feature film Katha Kathmandu, the impactful short film Ice Cream, and the popular TV series Katha Prem Ka
  • Sangita Shrestha
    Writer
    Sangita Shrestha is a Nepali writer and scriptwriter, known for authoring the book Katha Ma Aljhiyeka Prem, and for writing the scripts of the feature film Katha Kathmandu, the short movie Ice Cream and the TV series Katha Prem Ka.
  • Yogesh Shrestha
    Producer
  • Narendra Shrestha
    Producer
    Narendra Shrestha is a nepali film producer, known for his short movie ICE CREAM
  • Arpana Shrestha
    Producer
  • Kalpana Maharjan
    Key Cast
  • Soya Maharjan
    Key Cast
  • Rebati Maharjan
    Key Cast
  • Saroj Maharjan
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    18 minutes 42 seconds
  • Production Budget:
    12,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Nepal
  • Country of Filming:
    Nepal
  • Language:
    Nepali
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • Nepal Indigenous Nationalities Film Festival 2025
    Edinburgh, Scotland
    United Kingdom
    July 19, 2025
    Best Documentary Film
Director Biography - Sangita Shrestha

Sangita Shrestha is a multifaceted Nepali storyteller, a celebrated film director, writer, scriptwriter, TV journalist and radio jockey, who shines a light on the hidden parts of society With her critically acclaimed feature film Katha Kathmandu, the poignant short film Ice Cream, the popular love story TV series Katha Prem Ka and the powerful documentary film The Everest Mom, she has firmly established herself as a visionary filmmaker committed to unveiling stories that often remain untold.
As the author of the book Katha Ma Aljhiyeka Prem, Sangita shares powerful stories across different forms. Her scripts for Katha Kathmandu, Ice Cream and Katha Prem Ka show the real struggles, dreams and silent voices of people in Nepal.
Sangita believes films can bring important social change. She uses her work to highlight hidden problems, inspire people and encourage new conversations in Nepal. Her storytelling goes beyond entertainment, it is a call for awareness and empowerment.
With a unique blend of journalistic insight and artistic vision, Sangita Shrestha stands as a fearless voice for the marginalized and a beacon for change in Nepal’s creative landscape.

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Director Statement

The Everest Mom is the true story of a young girl from a small village in Nepal, who grew up in a society that said women are weak and can’t do much. But she proved them wrong by climbing the Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world, not just once but twice and even setting a record in the World Book of Records.
What touched me most was her strong spirit. Even while she was a breastfeeding mother, she worked hard and trained to climb. Her journey from her small kitchen to the top of the Mount Everest shows just how strong and determined a woman can be.
This film is my way of honoring her bravery and sending a message to everyone that women are not weak , they are born to change history and inspire others. Her story needs to be shared, to give hope and remind us all that real strength has no gender.