Back to work in Kathmandu

Now Miranda is back in Nepal and working with our translator in Kathmandu. The story is taking shape and we are in the process of planning our next shoot in Jumla early in 2013.

In addition, we are in the final preparations of our next fundraising push. Following the success of our screening event in Los Angeles, we feel excited and confident that support for this project continues to grow. When we launch, we are asking all our friends and supporters to help by spreading the word to their networks and anyone they feel would be interested in our film.

This project has come so far from the initial vision. This film is being made by the investment of faith and pennies from our friends and supporters around the world. We are privileged to be on this journey, but the film is being made possible by everyone who believes this story is worth telling.

Thank you.

Screening in Los Angeles

The project has taken a whole new lease of life following the wonderful screening event we held in September at the Dick Clark Screening Room in Santa Monica, California. It was the perfect space to hold the event, thanks to my dear friend, the deeply entertaining David Garonzik, who manages the space. I would certainly recommend it to anyone in Los Angeles wanting to have a screening. And they have a popcorn machine too!

The evening was an opportunity for us to share our progress with our supporters and friends. This is a long journey and it was great to be able to show people what we have been doing so far, giving them an idea of what the project is really about and a small taste of what Jumla is like.

We were extremely grateful to the generosity of some businesses in the Nepali community in California for giving us a taste of Nepal - in food, beer and decor. Tara's Himalayan Cuisine, authentic Nepali food in Culver City, provided delicious snacks that mostly disappeared in the first hour (I hope people will follow up and frequent her place as a result). We managed to get beer from Nepal donated from the only distributor in the country, Nepali Brew Supply, such a classic example of Nepali generosity - they didn't even know me but once I had told them about our project they were more than happy to support. We also had the privilege of showcasing some extremely nice wine from our friends at Fotinos Brothers Winery.  And finally, Reena from the Kathmandu Boutique in Santa Monica came and decorated the space with wares from her shop, giving us a great atmosphere.

For the night we had cut a short progress trailer showcasing some of the footage we've shot and giving a little explanation and back-story about the project and some of the girls featured in the film.

Over the course of the night, people came, enjoyed some food and drinks and then settled in to the comfy armchairs of the screening room to view our piece. I have to say, it went even better than I could have hoped. We had a great turnout and even more rewarding was the response of all who attended. It really made us appreciate that the work we are doing is not only of interest to people but actually had an impact on them. People were genuinely moved and everyone wanted to see more. Which is exactly what we wanted to hear!

Thanks to the wonderful Jenny Lens who came and took pictures - which I will post soon.