Institute History
Description
The Sari Soldiers is a character driven documentary feature film that follows six Nepalese women on the forefront of the political crises in Nepal. Following the historic events in Nepal from the time of the King's overthrow of the government on February 1st, 2005, to the extraordinary, civilian-lead revolution to reclaim democracy that stripped the King of his powers, we embark into the worlds of six courageous women on all sides of the conflict, and their struggles and pursuits for justice.
In The Sari Soldiers, we follow these women as they risk their lives in their daily struggles—taking us to the streets of Kathmandu amid violent pro-democracy protests, to the countrysides' increasing Maoist rallies, to meeting families of disappeared loved ones. As their stories unfold, we witness their personal challenges and struggles as strong women in a conservative society, and how each of their pursuits for a more egalitarian society have shaped the civil conflict at large.
By showing the perspective of women positioned on the different sides of the conflict, The Sari Soldiers looks at both the larger political crises in Nepal and the anatomy of conflict, as well as the struggles of individual women in Nepali society today. Extraordinary on their own, the stories of these six women woven together paint a profound picture of the crisis the Himalayan kingdom is undergoing and a few extraordinary women who may shape the fate of the country.
In The Sari Soldiers, we enter the worlds of the following women:
Maoist Commander Kranti is passionate about transforming Nepal's future, and is committed to the Maoist movement, as she feels only through a radical transformation in the societal structure, can there be justice and equality in Nepal. As one of the highest ranking women in the Maoist Army, Kranti is breaking down gender barriers in her battalion while battling the country's armed forces to transform Nepal to a Maoist Republic.
Rajani belongs to the first batch of female Officers in the Nepal Army. When the Maoists killed Rajani's brothers last year, she resolved to serve her country's army as the path to peace. As Rajani pursues her military role and embarks on the war against the Maoists, her family fears for her safety having already lost one child to war.
Ram Kumari, a student political leader and activist who takes to the streets to fight for the restoration of democracy, braving over a month imprisonment and becoming a
central figure leads thousands on the streets in a revolution leading to the King's relinquishment of power.
Devi, a mother of a 15-year old girl who was abducted by the Army and never seen or heard from again. Devi's determined to bring the Officers involved with her daughter's disappearance and death to justice in a landmark case in Nepal, while she faces death threats from the Armed forces trying to silence her.
Mandira, one of Nepal's top Human Rights lawyers, is determined to seek justice for the numerous victims of human rights abuses on both sides of the conflict in a situation where rule of law no longer exists.
Krishna, a woman from a small village in a Maoist afflicted district in Western Nepal, who lead the first civilian lead uprising against the Maoists. As Krishna struggles to lead her community towards a peaceful development, she faces the constant threat of Maoist retaliation against her.