KATHMANDU: Sari Soldiers is the stories of six different women, each fighting for their beliefs and holding strong to their convictions. Each one’s views and beliefs are as radically different as can be, and yet their stories have been threaded together to put forth the a complete picture that becomes a story not only of the women featured, but about our nation during conflict and the longings that still persist.

The film tells the story of Devi Sunar, whose daughter Maina was abducted by the Nepal Army because Sunar publicly spoke against them when her niece was murdered by the army; Mandira Sharma, a human rights lawyer, who is fighting for justice for Maina’s case and other disappearance cases; Kranti (Kamala Roka Magar), a Maoist commander and a mother; Rajani, a young Nepal Army officer; Krishna Shahi, an old lady from a village who is a monarchist and is rebelling against the Maoists, and Ram Kumari Jhankri, a student activist fighting for democracy.

Director Julie Bridgham shares her inspirations and experiences of

Sari Soldiers

Deciding on making this film

I had spent quite a bit of time in the remote regions of Nepal and noticed how women were increasingly becoming involved in conflict. The Maoists had claimed that 40 per cent

of their soldiers were women, and I was interested to explore why so many women were getting involved. But, there were also so many civilian women that were really taking active roles in shaping the direction of the country. I felt like these were stories that were not being heard. I was also interested to explore very different points of view in the conflict.

Deciding on Sari Soldiers as title

I think the sari evokes an image of women from the South Asian region, and is very symbolic of femininity and of civilians. Four out of the six women featured in this film are civilians, and are really soldiers in the sense that they are putting themselves in situations that were potentially very risky to accomplish change in Nepal. So, to me the name ‘Sari Soldiers’ is more of a metaphor for these women that are ‘soldiers’ for change.

Filming strategies

We filmed the story over a three-year period in total. There were several of us

that were involved in the shooting, including Dinesh Deokota, Kumar Shrestha and Siddhartha Shakya. Sometimes I would be filming in one location, and someone else would be filming in another place simultaneously. It was great that my co-producer Ramyata Limbu is based in Kathmandu, so even when I was back in New York editing, she was regularly in touch with them.

Difficulties faced

It was a difficult period when we began filming, as it was right after the February 1 move, and there was a State of Emergency.

There were definitely challenges we faced as far as security concerns, logistics, et cetera.

Admirable personal

I think ultimately whether you agree or disagree with any of the women’s points of view, it is so admirable to see their strength and determination to really follow their path for justice. Each of these women faced numerous challenges and obstacles to what they

were hoping to achieve, and yet continued with such strength and tenacity to keep pursuing what they believed in. I really admire that, and their strength has really inspired me

along the way. It is that strength and courage that ultimately sends a very inspiring message about the power we all can have in making a difference.

Change in attitude

It was a really unique experience to have the opportunity to bring them together, and for them to learn more about each other. They would not normally be interacting with each other, it was really great that they were able to begin a dialogue with each other.

Making an impact

I didn’t know at the time we were filming what would be the impact of the film. I hope that it can really be the beginning of creating a meaningful dialogue for people to understand other points of view, and the importance of tolerance for different perspectives. I also hope it will raise awareness about the very real issues during conflict, particularly with regard to numerous disappearances that have yet to be addressed. These issues need to be addressed in order for people to feel like justice has been served, and to have faith in the

future direction of the country. — As told to Eva Manandhar in an email interview