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I Am Belmaya

Play trailer Poster for I Am Belmaya 2021 1h 21m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 4 Reviews 100% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
Dominated by her husband, her family and society, Belmaya is desperate for independence. Born a Dalit in a hill village in Nepal, orphaned at the age of nine, poorly educated, and trapped in an abusive marriage with a baby daughter, Belmaya, 21, has given up hope of finding happiness. Rewind to 2006, when Belmaya, at 14, participated in a photo project at a girls' home in Pokhara. A natural feminist, full of passion and mischief, she was keen to change her discriminatory world through photography. But that window closed when the home locked away her camera. Now she gets a second chance, this time to train in documentary filmmaking. Picking up the camera once more, her maverick spark returns. Determined to create a better life for her young daughter, Belmaya gains the skills and confidence to forge a new path. But are her resentful husband and conservative community ready for this?

Critics Reviews

View All (4) Critics Reviews
Phuong Le Guardian A stirring look at the painful reality faced by Dalit girls in contemporary Nepal, as well as Nepali's stunning achievements. Rated: 3/5 Oct 12, 2021 Full Review Rob Aldam Backseat Mafia It remarkable, despite having no formal education, that Belmaya has gone on to make her own documentary, given all the obstacles put in her path... I Am Belmaya is a perfect stage for hopefully the next step in her career. Nov 9, 2021 Full Review Edward Porter Sunday Times (UK) This documentary serves us a bit of roughage - a look at poverty and misery in Nepal - but sweetens it with a triumph-over-adversity tale. Rated: 4/5 Oct 17, 2021 Full Review Andrew Murray The Upcoming As well as being a remarkable tale of an extraordinary person, the genius of this documentary likewise lies in its thoughtful examination of the genre and the subsequent impact. In other words, it works on every level. Rated: 5/5 Oct 14, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Simon E We might like to think we live in enlightened times, but this documentary by Sue Carpenter shows how far we have yet to go. We follow Belmaya, a bright and spirited young woman with a natural film-making talent, as she learns how to make films to document her world, but simultaneously having to overcome prejudice against her status in a caste system as well as attitudes towards women. Yet this is far from being a depressing tale - it is a story of hope and personal triumph which is both inspiring and moving. A must-see. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/11/23 Full Review Charlotte F This is a really beautiful, uplifting and moving film. Belmaya is an inspiration to women everywhere. Beautifully shot. I could watch it again and again! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/01/23 Full Review francois r This documentary is absolutely beautiful, so moving and so so so well done!!! It's a necessity to watch it. It opens an objective window on women's conditions in Nepal, as it could be in many other countries, but it also gives hope and an proof that creativity can save. What a life and what a woman !! Belmaya has got a destiny, undoubtedly she is someone special, a internal light and she could become a lighthouse for other women... Sue Carpenter's work is of a rare intelligence and humility ! I have been also very impressed by the editing and how every picture has got a meaning even subconsciously and how it all works together to serve the subject of the film. This is a great documentary !!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member Wonderful film, touching thought provoking and uplifting so glad I came across this absolute gem of a movie. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/30/23 Full Review Audience Member You feel you almost get to know Belmaya as you follow her life over the years, see her grow from a teenager having run away from troubles at home and arrived at a children's home, discovering her passion for the camera, to having a break, while she decides getting married might be the right path. She has a daughter. But being a married woman and a mother with a career in Nepal is not easy. She won't give it up though and we get to follow her struggles and highs while she's makes her own documentary film, and eventually takes it to various film festivals. It's beautifully filmed and you get a real feel for what life can be like for a girl in Nepal. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/18/23 Full Review Audience Member I loved it! It's so multi-layered, I've watched it several times and see something different in it every time. Belmaya is a strong and beautiful character who remains in your mind as if you've met her in person. Remarkable. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/30/23 Full Review Read all reviews
I Am Belmaya

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Movie Info

Synopsis Dominated by her husband, her family and society, Belmaya is desperate for independence. Born a Dalit in a hill village in Nepal, orphaned at the age of nine, poorly educated, and trapped in an abusive marriage with a baby daughter, Belmaya, 21, has given up hope of finding happiness. Rewind to 2006, when Belmaya, at 14, participated in a photo project at a girls' home in Pokhara. A natural feminist, full of passion and mischief, she was keen to change her discriminatory world through photography. But that window closed when the home locked away her camera. Now she gets a second chance, this time to train in documentary filmmaking. Picking up the camera once more, her maverick spark returns. Determined to create a better life for her young daughter, Belmaya gains the skills and confidence to forge a new path. But are her resentful husband and conservative community ready for this?
Director
Sue Carpenter, Belmaya Nepali
Producer
Sue Carpenter, Christopher Hird
Screenwriter
Sue Carpenter, Sue Carpenter
Production Co
Tideturner Films, Dartmouth Films
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Runtime
1h 21m