Thousands of survivors of the 2015 Nepalese earthquake are still forced to live in temporary housing, survivors of the tragedy show you how they live, how they survive.

Interview with Director/Producer Mark Hellinger

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

After spending time in Nepal recently, I spoke to many people about how the destruction of the 2015 earthquake still impacts them.

Usually, when a tragedy like this happens, the world's immediate attention is on the survivors, but in time that attention fades and the people are still suffering. I thought it was important to tell these stories. So I shot the documentary short in Nepal. It aims to raise awareness of the plight of the Nepalese people.

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

So people can see and feel the impact that the 2015 Nepalese earthquake still has. People are still living in these temporary houses, children still play in the rubble.

People from both local villages and big cities will show the contrasting destruction of the earthquake.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

The universal theme of hope is a part of this film.

Many in Nepal still have hope and a belief in a higher power, risking their lives to go to a temple still standing out of the rubble, which may collapse at any moment. Praying for their lives to go back to what it was like before that fateful day.

They hang on to the fact that they were spared when the earthquake happened. They cling to the hope that someone might see their story and do something, help change things, help rebuild their homes, their families and their lives.

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

The more people I interviewed the more the story changed. I got to spend time in many different parts of Nepal due to the people I met and the access I got.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

The cast of people in the film was very positive when talking about the film, they appreciated that their story could be told and that people can understand how their lives have been impacted.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

It made me realise that it's important to tell these stories and the benefits of the participants in telling their stories.

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

To get people to watch the film as part of the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival on 15th - 29th July 2020.

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

Ideally, other film festival directors could see the trailer and be interested in programming the film at their festivals.

Behind the scenes of After the Earthquake

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

I'd just love people to understand what people in Nepal are currently living through and help out in any way they can.

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

Is the Nepalese Government doing enough to help Nepalese citizens post-earthquake?

Would you like to add anything else?

People can donate to All Hands and Hearts to help rebuild parts of Nepal, https://www.allhandsandhearts.org/programs/nepal-earthquake-relief/

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

I've just completed a documentary about how art can help people with addictions which will hopefully be coming to a film festival near you soon.

Interview: July 2020

We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. 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

After the Earthquake

Thousands of survivors of the 2015 Nepalese earthquake are still forced to live in temporary housing, survivors of the tragedy show you how they live, how they survive.

Length: 5:53

Director: Mark Hellinger

Producer: Mark Hellinger

Writer: Mark Hellinger

About the writer, director and producer:

MARK HELLINGER has directed and produced several award-winning internationally and locally broadcast films. Predominantly focusing on the multicultural nature of Australian society and how sport and art can help people find their feet in Australia.

Key cast: Nikesh Tamrakar, Sajal Basnet, Artie Blakeney (sound mix), Sebastian Barahona (composer)

Looking for: journalists, film festival directors

Twitter: @m_h1234

Instagram: @hproductions_au

Hashtags used: #aftertheearthquake

Website: hproductions.com.au

Other: YouTube, IMDb

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Melbourne Documentary Film Festival 15th - 29th July 2020