Himalaya
aka Himalaya: The Childhood of a Leader
aka Caravan
First screened in February 2020
Director: Eric Valli. Cast: Thilen Lhondup, Karma Wangiel, Gurgon Kyap, Lhakpa Tsamchoe, Karma Tensing, Labrang Tundup, Rapke Gurung, Pemba Bika, Jampa Kalsang Tamang, Tsering Dorjee, Karma Chhewang, Tenzen Charka, Yangzom, Gyalsen Gurung, Phuti Bika, Sangmo Gurung, Karma Angbu Gurung. Screenplay: Eric Valli and Olivier Dazat (with Nathalie Azoulai, Louis Gardel, and Jean-Claude Guillebaud).

 Twitter Capsule: Could have settled for epic, exoticist sweep but, with imposing craft, tells a tough, layered tale of dueling leadership.

VOR: ④  Beyond its mind-boggling circumstances of production, this represents a striking convergence of indigenous folklore and respectful foreign aesthetics.


Photo © 1999 Galatée Films/France 2 Cinéma, © 2001 Kino International

Not yet reviewed in full. Grade: A–

Academy Award Nominations:
Best Foreign Language Film

Other Awards:
César Awards (French Oscars): Best Cinematography (Éric Guichard); Best Original Score (Bruno Coulais)
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