33 mins, Director Sean O’Connor, USA, NZ Premiere, Subtitles.
Deep in rural Nepal, a group of childhood friends from low-caste families have started a trekking guide social enterprise that has transformed their home community of Kumari. Led by Jagat Lama, the guides have channelled their profits and energy into developing a self-sustaining community centred around many of the region’s firsts: basic electricity, a women’s skill centre, a local school, a working community farm and a medical hospital.
Jagat is driven by a promise he made to his dying father to bring medical care to the village. At the grand opening celebration, Jagat’s mother is the first patient of many into the Sukman Memorial Polyclinic, named after his father.
Less than two years later, a massive earthquake hits Nepal, levelling the hospital, school and women’s skill centre. Because Kumari is so remote, Jagat and the other trekking guides respond with aid, food and shelter. Wrestling with the continued challenges, Jagat digs deep and finds the strength to help lead the Kumari recovery. The village is rebuilt stronger than before as the guides turn to the next generation of leaders to continue their vision of self-sustained growth and empowerment.
