Nepali Art Abroad

Till date, there had been series of Academy Awards. While story of India - be that in Slum Dog Millionaire, or Lion had been obtaining space somehow or the other; Indian movies themselves have not been yet able to secure position in Academy Awards remarkably. Far would lie the question of Nepalese movies and then.

However, arts are not sports, which would require some basic criteria to obtain position. Unlike Cricket, where one has to pre qualify the basic layers to obtain ODI status, or unlike Football, where the team has to get into top 32 to have position in World Cup, one best creation can directly gain space in International Scenes - be that through documentaries, movies or short movies. Despite this opportunity, Nepal has never made any impressive progress since the time of Laxmi Prasad Devkota. Notable impression in regard to art and culture has not yet been marked across the globe at any time. There had been attempts - be that through Kalo Pothi, or through Sungava, or Jhola to obtain some global attention; which indeed failed. All they received in the end was some unheard awards, which barely meant anything in International arena.

One primary reason why Nepalese movies, documentaries, songs or short movies have not made impact on International arena is because of the nature. The creations have short vision, and lack any long term vision from any point of view. They seek short term popularity, and quick return; rather than any long term impact. Aren’t there countable number of creations that rather focused on impact than short term return? Just Sungava, Jhola, Kalo Pothi and few others, who actually deserve to get into the position. These types of creations actually pop out maybe one annually. While commercial creations are mushrooming, the impactful creation’s quantity indeed is depressing one. So, why produce something that is less profitable?

Nepalese audience had always been attracted towards fun going type than critically acclaimed productions. How many of us have heard the song 'Be what you want to be' of Girish Khatiwada? But, all of us have heard the number 'Thamel Bazar' - so the audience rather prefers the trendy practices more than impactful creation. There are only limited niche mass of people who seek for meaningful and impactful creation. Hence, the need of audience has been next role player in restrictive creation. Meanwhile, lack of funding has next vital role in the absence of such creation. When Ma Ha Jodi requires funding from abroad to start meaningful series, who would want to risk millions for social cause? As a result, the impactful creation is entirely dependent upon sponsors, who would fund for such creation. Didn't Coke sponsor Feri Uthne Cha Nepal after quake too?

There has to be way out anyway. Not unless state promotes creativity, next strong Laxmi Prasad Devkota type of creation certainly will not be found. So, what if someone has the ability and creativeness? There has to be platform for them for proper justice. The age is getting expensive, and maybe the creative and able ones does not have ability to spend millions just to experiment. There has been department under Ministry regarding culture; who has to play important role in promotion of these layers of literatures. Didn't Suraj Singh Thakuri try to initiate perception changing show - Pariwartan? But, that was a failure. Who would dare for sustainability and then?

Thanks to technology, today's youth can express their creativity through less effort. Bartika Eam Rai's creativity didn't require that huge level of effort to gain publicity either. Today’s generation who have inner desire, should be well trained as well. They are the next players in the field; so be that through short movies, or documentaries; they require some huge potential anyway. How about state wise competition every year? Or, Nepalese vs Diasporas every year? At least, the benefit would be for the national progress.

When we have man powers who can make movies like Das Dhunga, why are we silent about different other similar stories? When attack of Laden can be learnt through movies, or story of Hawkings can be seen through movies, why not our own stories of Tikapur incident? People’s Movement II? Or, Royal Massacare? We do have potential and future too. Why should Iran get all the privilege of nomination over foreign language? We need to take up a stand too – just that we need to find out something within us.

The Rising Nepal, Friday Supplement, April 20