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Ten-year old Siddharth is traumatized when he witnesses a religious ceremony gone terribly wrong. During this sacred ritual, his mother is consumed by flames and his father is horribly burnt. Once a normal, outgoing boy, Siddharth is transformed by the tragedy into an introverted child of a few words.
While awaiting and praying for his father’s recovery, Siddharth is forced to live with his uncle. Continuing the inexplicable downward spiral of his life, young Siddharth is subjected to abuse from his aunt. The only bright spot in his life is the warmth he receives from his cousin, Druki. Despite the sad circumstances that have caused it, she is delighted to have Siddharth living in her home and existing in her life.
One evening, as she is preparing for bed, Druki asks her mother about the death of Siddharth’ mother. Searching for words to give peace to her daughter, the woman tells Druki that God took Siddharth’s mother away because he loved her so much. Siddharth learns of this and is puzzled, wondering how it is possible that God loved his mother more than he. The question burns in his mind like a sliver and, try as he might, he cannot banish the tormenting thought. In his young wisdom, he finally realizes that the only one who does know the answer is God Himself. And thus begins Siddharth’s epic journey to find God and pose the question to him.
With a childlike innocence, he begins this journey by asking those around him where God lives. Since no one can tell him where God lives, he decides to find out for himself. He begins on this path by watching those around him whose lives appear to be spiritual, feeling they may know where God resides. He visits temples, follows religious processions, spies on priests – always searching for clues that will lead him to God… always to no avail.
In the depths of depression, the pointer to the direction he must go, finally and unexpectedly comes to him in the form of an old man who says he knows where God lives. The old man explains that, of course, God lives in the middle of the Himalayas. Enlightened and excited, he now prepares to embark upon the high path to God’s home. As they learn about this, his cousin Druki and Siddharth’s best friend, Raju, implore him to take them along. At first he resists, but when he understands that they too have questions for God, there is no way he can refuse. And so, the three set out to find God in his home.
They begin their arduous trek riding atop a bus. But, before long, the bus’ passengers grow suspicious and they are forced to continue on foot. Along the way a helper comes to them – almost as if he has been sent to do so. Ali, a teenager who works at a highway motel, gains them passage on an Army truck, also joining them as he, too, has questions for God and is inspired by Siddharth’s plan. A harrowing struggle ensues as they ford a river, desperately scavenge for food and dare the howling winds of the Himalayas. As they continue their journey into the clouds – further challenges assail and assault the quartet… yet none can deter them.
And then, true tragedies strike – Raju plunges through melted snow and drowns. In the thin atmosphere, Druki draws her final breadth. And even Ali vanishes into the consuming mists of the upper reaches of the Himalayas.
At last, Siddharth alone reaches the mountain respite that is God’s true home. In triumph and humility, Siddharth poses his questions to God – questions that all mankind has pondered since time immemorial. In a scene as powerful as Lord Krishna’s narration of the Bhagwad Gita to Arjuna, Siddharth’s life is forever changed – and so shall our viewers’ as they come to bathe in the joys of God’s revelation to this simple boy. Triumph is Siddharth’s at last… for he has, with intrepidity, determination and pureness of spirit, sought God where he lives. And in that triumph, he comes to know the greatest blessing of them all… peace. Om shanti, shanti, shanti, Om.
From what started off as an idea in Sanjay's mind almost two years ago, we have now completed the principal photography on one of the most visceral motion pictures to be made in the independent world in recent times.
Our journey took us to remote areas in Nepal, threw challenges at us that were both invigorating and exasperating, and the crew and cast have been through a ride that is truly befitting of finding God in the Himalayas.
( view picture gallery )
The filming of God Lives In The Himalayas has presented unique and sizeable tests to its makers, logistically, creatively and culturally. But, unfailingly, the unique aspects of Nepal, its rich culture, its wonderful people and the extraordinary benevolence of nature have gifted the project with a vision that is both energizing and exciting.
From all of our trials and tribulations, we have emerged with a wonderful film full of powerful moments that are as profound as they are simple. Now, we are stepping forward with the best means to present Sanjay's story to the audiences of the world, through all the world's finest film markets.
We thank you for your interest in our film, and we hope you will soon get to see God Lives in the Himalayas in a theatre near you.
Sanjay Srinivas - Writer, Director
Sunil Thapa - Line Producer, Nepal
H. M. Ramachandra - Director of Photography
Vivek Sachidanand - Sound Designer
Saurav Sarkar - Executive Producer
Omar Kaczmarczyk - Executive Producer
Bala Senthil Kumar - Co-writer, Chief Assistant Director, Associate Producer
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The Hollywood Reporter of 3rd November carried this advertisement:
Variety Magazine (www.variety.com) carried this advertisement of God Lives In The Himalayas in their American Film Market edition, on the 5th of November, 2007. |
All formal releases to the Press will be found in this section as we go ahead. |
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"Thank you for visiting us at Cannes Marché "
Please re-visit this section for information about our next film festival participation.
Contact - sales@longtale.com or call us at +1 323 733 1000
Principal photography started on the 1st of March, 2008 at Panauti, just outside Kathmandu. We have now completed principal photography and are into post production and worldwide promotion for sales of the motion picture.
Our first stop in this endeavor was the Cannes Film Festival, where the promo of the film was very well received.
Mr. Yuvaraj Ghimire provided services as Literary Consultant for adaptation of the screenplay to the Nepali language.
KUTUMBA (www.kutumba.com.np), have been secured as Composers for background and theme music.
Mr. Dhiren Shakya and Ms. Melina Manandhar played leading adult roles.
The Film Board of Nepal provided its fullest possible support to the filming and promotion of God Lives in the Himalayas.
As of October 11th 2007, LongTale LLC (www.longtale.com), a global Intellectual Property Asset Management company has been secured for the worldwide distribution of God Lives In The Himalayas. Led by the veteran of independent film distribution Mr. Omar Kaczmarczyk, LongTale has announced God Lives In The Himalayas at the recently concluded American Film Market 2007.
The Nepal Tourism Board came forward to support the filming and promotion of God Lives in the Himalayas.