This documentary captures the journey of a young woman, Nisha, as she challenges the traditional ideologies in her community. The documentary shows the way women’s lives are still bound by Hindu societal structure in Jumla, Nepal.

Interview with Directors/Producers Sophie Dia Pegrum and Miranda Morton Yap

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

While volunteering in a remote corner of Nepal, in the Himalaya, I (Miranda Morton Yap) was inspired by the women I was working with, and I wanted to share their stories. I hoped that by filming their lives, and capturing their songs and spirit, that others would be as inspired as I was.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

It is a documentary window into a remote and rarely seen part of the world, giving voice to a culture and to women who would not otherwise have the opportunity.

It is beautiful to look at, and inspiring to watch.

Daughters of the Curved Moon: *Nisha guiding the villagers. “Daughters of the Curved Moon"*

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

It would be easy to look at the day to day struggle to survive in this environment, within the traditional bonds of this culture and feel that change is insurmountable. Through the aspirations and desires of an extraordinary young woman who takes us a personal journey to explore the lives of her own villagers and family while challenging the constraints placed especially upon women, we feel that there is hope, and that little by little, a shift is possible. The film is about giving voice to those who have never been asked their opinion about their lives, or who have never questioned their status.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

The film evolved quite dramatically over the years we were shooting. Nisha, who ended up being central to our story, was initially working with us behind the scenes. It became evident that her approach and changes in feeling toward her own village and family through the course of filmmaking was the most compelling transformation and became an integral part of the story.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

People have been moved, inspired and pleasantly surprised to learn so much about this little known place. And Nisha herself is a charismatic and inspiring focus.

Filming in the heart of the home. “Daughters of the Curved Moon"

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

The feedback has been encouraging and positive.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

We want to widen the audience that we can share inspiring cinema, stories and song with.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

Sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

We would like to see this film inspire a new generation of Nepali girls or young women from any culture that have to struggle for their rights.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

It is not difficult for women and to understand that they are not treated equally but how do we go about challenging deeply embedded tradition, for everyone to benefit.

Would you like to add anything else?

Despite centuries of old traditions and generations of women of living at the mercy of old practices, it only takes one generation’s access to education and opportunity for the attitudes to begin to shift radically .

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

We are currently producing a film about the trans-gender community in Kathmandu.

Interview: August 2017

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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

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Daughters of the Curved Moon

The struggle against tradition has begun. Meet the new Wonder Woman.

Length:

90 min

Director:

Miranda Morton Yap & Sophie Dia Pegrum

Producer:

Miranda Morton Yap

Writer:

About the writer, director and producer:

Directing team Sophie Dia Pegrum and Miranda Morton Yap, are “Shakti Pictures”, an independent creative arts film company based in Nepal and the U.S. They have worked on several doc films together including the award winning “Talking to the Air: The Horses of the Last Forbidden Kingdom”.

Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):

Social media handles:

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/shaktipictures/

Twitter:

@sophiediapegrum

Instagram:

@shaktipictures

Funders:

Shakti Pictures

Made in association with:

Where can I see it in the next month?

San Antonio Film Festival

Private online Screener