Contemporary World Film Series 10: ‘WHITE SUN’ (SETO SURYA), NEPAL

‘Contemporary World Film Series’ at TK park
‘WHITE SUN’ (‘SETO SURYA’), NEPAL
Directed by DEEPAK RAUNIYAR

1 Hr 29 Mins
SUNDAY, 8 JULY at 4:00 pm
Kind Courtesy: The Match Factory

We are proud to screen a modest film from the small country of Nepal, which created a mega impact around the world

This is WHITE SUN, the second feature film of young director Deepak Rauniyar, which won an award at the prestigious Venice International Film Festival, went to top festivals like Toronto, Rotterdam, Edinburgh, and created waves at nearly 70 festivals around the world. It was also Nepal’s nomination for the Oscars in 2016.

White Sun is the rare example of a stark film that discusses complex social, political, personal issues, with simple ease and startling honesty. The movie opens with the death of the head of a remote village, and traces his steep funeral journey down the picturesque mountainside.
Among the chief pall-bearers, are his two sons who have become estranged due to political differences- Suraj, who lived with his father and worked in the army, Chandra, who left home and joined the Maoist rebels.

The funeral brings him back to his village, after a decade. But the differences are still deep with his brother, and the old villagers.
There is also Durga, the woman Chandra married before he left, and who strongly ran the whole household, until the death, when her gender made her an outsider. Finally, there are the two children Badri and Pooja, who get caught in the maelstrom of the funeral drama.
Even as the radio-report of the country’s first Constitution brings hope to the people, it is obvious that at the individual level, the scars of the long Civil War still remain.

The director, who took four years to make the film, uses the metaphor of death to bring alive many burning issues- political unity, social casteism, women’s rights, children’s education. The film is studded with symbols, starting with the lead-cast’s names. But it is all dealt with gentle irony and wry humor which is what makes this film accessible and enjoyable, and also moving and meaningful. Whether he deals with Maoist guerillas, Nepali police, Civil War, social weddings or funerals, the director’s sharp eye and clever vision are impeccable.

The performances are another highlight of the film, not just from the superstar protagonist Chandra, but the many unprofessionals, including the old villagers and the two incredible kids.
White Sun is an amazing cinematic achievement for a young director from a small nation, which hugely raises the bar for Asian Cinema.

Hollywood Reporter: A delicately observed, multi-generational story.

Variety: All the performances are tops, right down to the bit parts.

Slant Magazine: Admirably balanced and humane social and political perspective.

Kathmandu Post: Enjoyable, thought-provoking and intimately human experience.

The screening of WHITE SUN is supported by the Embassy of Nepal, who will serve snacks and drinks, after the screening.

Ambassador of Nepal, HE Dr Khaga Nath Adhikari will introduce the film.

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Film Auditorium will open at 3:00 pm

Entry Fee: 20 B

Registration Confirmation

For Reservations: 

Email: filmforum17@gmail.com