Singali la in the HimalayaSingalila in the Himalaya is the story of a young Keratoconus patient finding his way in life to trek through the Himalayas. He finds that, the best medicine for his eyes are the sights of the beautiful mountains and valleys in the Himalayas.■ 2017 International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK) 2017 |
Language : English Running Length: 19:00
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THE INSPIRATIONGeorge was affected by Keratoconus, a rare eye disorder which decreases the thickness of cornea during his childhood. Keratoconus results severe distortion in vision and cannot be controlled by glasses. During his teenage years, he lost all his hopes about life, when keratoconus took him away from what he wanted to do in his life. George finds that the best medicine for his eyes are to show them the most beautiful places on our planet. He decides to trek up the Himalayas and find solace and tranquility in his life. |
THE STORYWith fifteen porters, two guides and a cook, the team of three: George, Alexa and Blanchet starts their trek from Yuksam, a small town in West Sikkim. The team head north to Goecha La Pass to see golden views of Mount Khangchenjunga and, then head west to the border of Nepal or the Singalila Ridge. They trek south along the Singali La ridge, the border of India and Nepal to see Mount Everest and Mount Khangchenjunga shining in golden color. On the 13th day of their expedition, they reach a remote village at the border of India and Nepal, inhibited by a nomadic yak herder. |
THE ROUTE |
DHANRAJ GURUNG Red Panda is an Adventure company, by Mr Dhanraj Gurung, specializing in offering trekking holidays in Sikkim, India. |
SANDESH KADUR Felis Creations is a Bangalore, Karnataka-based film production company founded in 2006 by Sandesh Kadur. It produces factual programs for international broadcast. |
JO KELLY Cafe Mantra Music by Jo Kelly is soothing blend of gentle chanting and flowing melodies drifting over chilled beats and Indian instruments, inspired by love and created for peace. |
--Lama Anagarika Govinda
"You have captured and narrated the beauty of the mountains very well. The story of the men who guard the mountain is really interesting. Great info." Isabel Elle, Singapore
"I am sorry to read about the condition you suffer from, but equally Inspired by your positive attitude and the way you have chosen to contend with your challenges. Kudos!"
"Its a fantastic video. Congrats on the film." |
THE TREK ROUTEDuring their trek, the team follow the path of three early explorers. A major part of the trek uses the trail used by Douglass Freshfield in the reverse direction. He was a British Mountaineer and during the year 1903, he encircled Mount Khangchenjunga. On the day seven, the team reached Khangla Pass, where Douglass crossed to India from Nepal. He followed the route to Dzongri: via the Sherpas Pass and followed the Goecha La trail and crossed the Goecha La pass to reach north Sikkim and then to Darjeeling.
The first explorer to study about this ridge was Joseph Dalton Hooker was one of the greatest British botanists and explorers of the 19th century. He was a founder of Geographical Botany. |
AWARDS■ 2017 NOMINATED International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK) 2017 ■ 2017 Special Recognition Girimitra Sammelan 2017 ■ 2016 Dec 23 Pokhara International Mountain Film Festival, Pokhara, Nepal. ■ 2017 Feb 12, Special Recognition Award, IMF Mountain Film Festival 2017, Indian Mountaineering Foundation, New Delhi, India ■ 2018 April 1, Official Selection, International Tourism Film Festival, Riga, Croatia ■ 2018 Kadakam Forest and Environmental; Film Festival, Silent Valley National Park, Palakkad, Kerala AT THE IMF FILM FESTIVAL |
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GEORGE THENGUMMOOTTIL |
DHANRAJ GURUNG |
SURYA GIRISH |
BIRKHA LIMBOO |
TULA RAM GURUNG |
MALAIKA VAZ |
AMAN JOHN |
ADITHI SIVARAMAN |
A film by |
Trekking Team Film Editor Engineering Songs 2. HIMALAYA Music Special Thanks to |
Thanks to
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TEAM AT GOECHA LA / PHOTO: ALEXA |
SURYA WITH THE SINGALILA MUG |
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ROUND KHANGCHENJUNGA 1903 by Douglas William Freshfield |
HIMALAYAN JOURNALS 1855 by Joseph Dalton Hooker |
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Morning dawns Im in her arms Humble prayer that we be healed Himalaya, Himalaya is calling
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Himalaya Himalaya |
The moon shines brighter She hands a gift to those who seek Himalaya, Himalaya is calling Himalaya Himalaya |
Moundain Private Limited |
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