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About Film:
Caravan (Himalaya) is a 1999 film directed by Eric Valli and was funded through France-based corporations. Caravan made history by being the first Nepali film to be nominated for the Oscar Awards. The film shot exclusively on the rough mountain terrains of Dolpa, the biggest district of Nepal, was nominated by the US Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences for the 72nd annual Oscar Awards (2000) under the foreign film category.
The film basically portrays the life of salt traders of the region who lead yak caravans along a long and diffcult trek across the Himalayas to Tibet. It depicts the harsh life of the mountain people and their strange rituals. The film revolves around the central character of Tinle that is played out by Thilen Lhondup. Tinle is the chieftain of the salt traders, whose eldest son has just died. He refuses to allow the young Karma, whom he accuses of being responsible for his son’s death, to lead the caravan. Karma gathers young members of the clan and sets off for Tibet leading the caravan on his own. Stung by such a rebellion, Tinle with the help from his old friends and with his grandson, who would the head the caravan, decides against all odds to set out for the formidable destination. The roads on the way are very narrow and often frightening. At one point a big yak falls off from a cliff into a big blue lake, Lake Ringo. They consider it the price they have to pay the demons. On the way, the two caravans meet and Karma’s followers leave him alone and join Tinle with a faith in his wisdom. This film is wonderful in many ways. The camera catches the harsh journey of the Dolpelians and presents a picture of the difficult life led by them. The reality is shocking indeed. The film gives us knowledge about the lifestyle, culture and tradition of the people of Dolpa. The desert landscape of Dolpa is effectively shown in the film.
Reviewed By: G Dong
The film basically portrays the life of salt traders of the region who lead yak caravans along a long and diffcult trek across the Himalayas to Tibet. It depicts the harsh life of the mountain people and their strange rituals. The film revolves around the central character of Tinle that is played out by Thilen Lhondup. Tinle is the chieftain of the salt traders, whose eldest son has just died. He refuses to allow the young Karma, whom he accuses of being responsible for his son’s death, to lead the caravan. Karma gathers young members of the clan and sets off for Tibet leading the caravan on his own. Stung by such a rebellion, Tinle with the help from his old friends and with his grandson, who would the head the caravan, decides against all odds to set out for the formidable destination. The roads on the way are very narrow and often frightening. At one point a big yak falls off from a cliff into a big blue lake, Lake Ringo. They consider it the price they have to pay the demons. On the way, the two caravans meet and Karma’s followers leave him alone and join Tinle with a faith in his wisdom. This film is wonderful in many ways. The camera catches the harsh journey of the Dolpelians and presents a picture of the difficult life led by them. The reality is shocking indeed. The film gives us knowledge about the lifestyle, culture and tradition of the people of Dolpa. The desert landscape of Dolpa is effectively shown in the film.
Reviewed By: G Dong
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