Durga: Forging A New Trail

The story of 34-year-old Durga Rawal, the only guide of any gender from her village in northern Nepal

“DURGA: Forging a New Trail,” a short documentary film, tells the story of 34-year-old Durga Rawal, the only guide of any gender from her village in northern Nepal. In a country where boys receive an education, men seek employment in larger cities and girls and women are often left to work on family farms and within their homes, Durga’s is a story of defying cultural, societal and familial expectations to pursue an independent life. It is a story of female empowerment and gender equality about a brave young woman who is forging her own trail. Our film explores and celebrates bold dreams and the unwavering strength it takes to overcome doubt, discrimination and harassment to break free from the narratives that are put before us and intentionally reach for a life that is uniquely ours.

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The story of 34-year-old Durga Rawal, the only guide of any gender from her village in northern Nepal
Filmmaker: Emily Hopcian
2024 Films, Award Winning, Indigenous People, Short Features (10-39 min), Southern Asia, Women