Ten-year old Siddharth is traumatized when he witnesses a religious ceremony gone terribly wrong. During this sacred ritual, his mother is consumed by flames and his father is horribly burnt. Once a normal, outgoing boy, Siddharth is transformed by the tragedy into an introverted child of a few words.

           While awaiting and praying for his father’s recovery, Siddharth is forced to live with his uncle. Continuing the inexplicable downward spiral of his life, young Siddharth is subjected to abuse from his aunt. The only bright spot in his life is the warmth he receives from his cousin, Druki. Despite the sad circumstances that have caused it, she is delighted to have Siddharth living in her home and existing in her life.

           One evening, as she is preparing for bed, Druki asks her mother about the death of Siddharth’ mother. Searching for words to give peace to her daughter, the woman tells Druki that God took Siddharth’s mother away because he loved her so much. Siddharth learns of this and is puzzled, wondering how it is possible that God loved his mother more than he. The question burns in his mind like a sliver and, try as he might, he cannot banish the tormenting thought. In his young wisdom, he finally realizes that the only one who does know the answer is God Himself. And thus begins Siddharth’s epic journey to find God and pose the question to him.

          With a childlike innocence, he begins this journey by asking those around him where God lives. Since no one can tell him where God lives, he decides to find out for himself. He begins on this path by watching those around him whose lives appear to be spiritual, feeling they may know where God resides. He visits temples, follows religious processions, spies on priests – always searching for clues that will lead him to God… always to no avail.

           In the depths of depression, the pointer to the direction he must go, finally and unexpectedly comes to him in the form of an old man who says he knows where God lives. The old man explains that, of course, God lives in the middle of the Himalayas. Enlightened and excited, he now prepares to embark upon the high path to God’s home. As they learn about this, his cousin Druki and Siddharth’s best friend, Raju, implore him to take them along. At first he resists, but when he understands that they too have questions for God, there is no way he can refuse. And so, the three set out to find God in his home.

           They begin their arduous trek riding atop a bus. But, before long, the bus’ passengers grow suspicious and they are forced to continue on foot. Along the way a helper comes to them – almost as if he has been sent to do so. Ali, a teenager who works at a highway motel, gains them passage on an Army truck, also joining them as he, too, has questions for God and is inspired by Siddharth’s plan. A harrowing struggle ensues as they ford a river, desperately scavenge for food and dare the howling winds of the Himalayas. As they continue their journey into the clouds – further challenges assail and assault the quartet… yet none can deter them.

           And then, true tragedies strike – Raju plunges through melted snow and drowns. In the thin atmosphere, Druki draws her final breadth. And even Ali vanishes into the consuming mists of the upper reaches of the Himalayas.

           At last, Siddharth alone reaches the mountain respite that is God’s true home. In triumph and humility, Siddharth poses his questions to God – questions that all mankind has pondered since time immemorial. In a scene as powerful as Lord Krishna’s narration of the Bhagwad Gita to Arjuna, Siddharth’s life is forever changed – and so shall our viewers’ as they come to bathe in the joys of God’s revelation to this simple boy. Triumph is Siddharth’s at last… for he has, with intrepidity, determination and pureness of spirit, sought God where he lives. And in that triumph, he comes to know the greatest blessing of them all… peace. Om shanti, shanti, shanti, Om.
          Here is a picture of Writer Director Sanjay Srinivas captured on his first location recce in Nepal. The team has just returned from a detailed location recce and pre production activity that took them to Lukla, Manjo, Jomsom, Mukthinath, Naurikot, Tatopani, and other places. Please be sure to enjoy our picture gallery

               
 Earlier, Sanjay attended the American Film Market, where God Lives in the Himalayas was announced. Sanjay had the pleasure of connectingSanjay has just returned from the American Film Market, where he was busy connecting with the buyers of the world and letting them know first hand about God Lives In The Himalayas. It was very well received, generating a lot of interest amongst buyers from several different countries. Sanjay carries very positive memories from his interactions with everyone he met at the AFM. God Lives In The Himalayas will carry these energies into its realization as an evolved motion picture.
 
          He is now back into the hectic pre-production activities of the film, which he will be shooting in Nepal in the months of February and March, and plans to have it completed and ready for exhibition by May 2008 in time for the Cannes Film Festival. Sanjay is also working on the polish of the screenplay.

          The filming of God Lives In The Himalayas presents unique and sizeable challenges to its makers, logistically, creatively and culturally. Early glimpses of the fairly insulated way of life of people in rural Nepal have already gifted the project with a vision that is both energizing and exciting.           As we embark upon the journey to make this motion picture, we will share with you the adventures along the way with pictures and a diary of our experiences!

Sanjay Srinivas          - Writer, Director


H. M. Ramachandra   - Director of Photography


Saurav Sarkar            - Executive Producer


Omar Kaczmarczyk   - Executive Producer


Bala Senthil Kumar   - Co-writer, Chief Assistant Director, Associate Producer
If you are planning to apply for a position on this film or audition for a part, please keep your eyes on this section, for news about openings and upcoming auditions.
Thank you.

* Actors will soon be required for all the parts in the film. If you are an actor living in Nepal, you could be very interested in our project. Please visit this section to keep yourself updated.

Applicants may kindly send their resumes to Mr. Dhaval Shah by e mail to: dhaval@godlivesinthehimalayas.com.
Principal photography started on the 1st of March, 2008 at Panauti, just outside Kathmandu. The crew has completed the majority of Principal photography and is looking to finish by the end of April 2008.

Mr. Sunil Thapa and his company Precious Art Films Pvt. Ltd., have been secured as official production partners in Nepal.



Mr. Yuvaraj Ghimire has been secured as Literary Consultant for adaptation of the screenplay to the Nepali language.

KUTUMBA (www.kutumba.com.np), have been secured as Composers for background and theme music.

Mr. Dhiren Shakya and Ms. Melina Manandhar have been secured to play leading adult roles.

The Film Board of Nepal has promised its fullest possible support to the filming and promotion of God Lives in the Himalayas.


As of October 11th 2007, LongTale LLC (www.longtale.com), a global Intellectual Property Asset Management company has been secured for the worldwide distribution of God Lives In The Himalayas. Led by the veteran of independent film distribution Mr. Omar Kaczmarczyk, LongTale has announced God Lives In The Himalayas at the recently concluded American Film Market 2007.

The Nepal Tourism Board has promised its fullest possible support to the filming and promotion of God Lives in the Himalayas.

As the film moves through its significant steps ahead, this section will fill up with news and information on its progress in the business sphere

We thank the host of investors on board for making God Lives In The Himalayas a viable motion picture project.

Sponsors and Brands:

Product placement and brand association opportunities are open. The content of this motion picture offers particularly attractive windows of opportunity for:

      1.Airline companies.
      2.Mineral water brands.
      3.Children’s art material brands.
      4.Adventure and outdoor products.

Interested parties may contact us at info@godlivesinthehimalayas.com to initiate and further conversations in this regard. Thank you for your interest in God Lives In The Himalayas.





 

The Hollywood Reporter of 3rd November carried this advertisement:

 

 

 

Variety Magazine (www.variety.com) carried this advertisement of God Lives In The Himalayas in their American Film Market edition, on the 5th of November, 2007.

All formal releases to the Press will be found in this section as we go ahead.

The same with upcoming meetings with the Press.

Members of the press are requested to kindly write to info@godlivesinthehimalayas.com if they wish to request any specific information
Sanjay Srinivas - sanjay@godlivesinthehimalayas.com


Omar Kaczmarczyk - omar@longtale.com


Information - info@godlivesinthehimalayas.com