Our Story

 

You made OTHER NATURE possible from the beginning. It was a simple idea and your support at the time made it a reality.  Now, as we're in the final stages for distribution, we ask for your help once again! OTHER NATURE emerged as a curiosity about how a country considered "impoverished" and "medieval" by Western media became the first in the world to grant third gender citizenship (known commonly as transgender).

 

We decided to go to Nepal and investigate the movement led by young activists and veteran social workers fighting for equal rights. We found extraordinary people: Sunil, Bhumika, Badri, Bishnu, Jyoti, Sapana and many more. All are examples of the dynamic social transformation happening in Nepal.

 

Sunil Pant started Blue Diamond Society in 2001, the first LGBT organization in Nepal, after returning from his studies in Belarus. Bhumika was 14 years old at the time and having been told by her high school principle that there was no more space for her at school, dropped out and accidentally found Blue Diamond Society. Her work ever since has been an invaluable effort and inspiration to all. Last year, she traveled to New York to represent transgender rights at the United Nations General Assembly. Badri grew up in the mountains where girls usually were not sent to school. His mother was an exception. She encouraged Badri's education and eventually he moved to Kathmandu and began his work as a "third gender" activist.

 

In OTHER NATURE, Bhumika and Badri make a road trip to Muktinath, a temple in the Himalayas to pray for gender equality and citizenship rights. Their journey is a difficult one, full of obstacles on the way from landslides and floods to political strikes. However, with courage, patience and determination, they arrive at their destination. OTHER NATURE informs the world on political manifestation, post-war Nepal and the shaping of a new constitution.

 

The Impact

 

How long will the family dynamic continue propagating oppression of sexual difference? How long will our global society accept various forms of discrimination: ethnic, sexual, gender, economic and age-based? How many countries have IDEALS of EQUALITY and JUSTICE? How many have legal and judicial systems to implement equality among people?

Is TRUTH and JUSTICE a human right or simply a topic of discourse? When will IDEALS be put into PRACTICE?

It's time for EMPOWERMENT and CHANGE. The struggle for freedom will be a reminder for all of us to continue on the path of TOLERANCE and ACCEPTANCE.

 

What We Need & What You Get

We're raising funds to hire a music composer because every great film requires a complex and emotive soundtrack. We found Tom Marsh through Shooting People and after having met on Skype and exchanging emails, we feel like we've found a perfect match.

 

We have the story and we're confident that our story is A GREAT ONE. It consists of several untold stories, from the perspective of sex workers, runaway couples, activists, artists, lawyers, politicians and nuns. We want to bring the documentary to YOU, after 2 years of hard work and dedication, a dozen festival screenings and a residence at San Francisco FilmHouse. 

 

Between 2010 and 2011 OTHER NATURE around the world at:

 

BFI London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival

Portland Queer Documentary Film Festival

Frameline, San Francisco LGBT Film Festival

NewFest, New York LGBT Film Festival

Outfest, Los Angeles LGBT Film Festival

Asian American International Film Festival

Vancouver Queer Film Festival

Montreal LGBT Film Festival

Chicago LGBT Film Festival
Milwaukee LGBT Film Festival

Brussels Gay and Lesbian Film Festival

Mumbai International Queer Film Festival

 

 

In addition to giving you front row seats, we will offer a variety of PERKS. You will receive credit on our documentary, no matter how much you contribute. We would also like to give you a gift as a token of appreciation, please look closely at our PERKS :)

 

Other Ways You Can Help

 

We understand that money is not the only way to make things happen. In this completion stage we are grateful for the generous support of our friends and network. If you cannot make a donation, please help us get the word out. Share our campaign with everyone. 

Help us get 1000 LIKES!

 

We trust that we can achieve our goal with your help!

dancing star films team

Read more about us:

QUEERIOUS

HYPHENMAGAZINE

SF 360

CURVE