Namaste (Nepal, USA, 7 min)

Directed by Sarah Miller

Recently, I was the youngest member, at age 17, of a six person film crew shooting a human rights documentary in Nepal. My first time out of America, and I found myself in a third world country. We filmed legendary elections that led to the abolishment of their ancient monarchy. Our subjects ranged from small town villagers to the controversial prime minister Prachanda, a Maoist guerrilla. Upon return to the United States, I was the only crew member who had to finish high school. Many students asked where I had been, and when I told them Nepal, more than a few said, ‘What’s that?’

My short film ‘Namaste’ describes my realization of how important it is to be a global citizen and what truly constitutes as a necessity. Nepal’s hope, indescribable love for family, and sincere longing for peace, are things that have been sadly forgotten by too many people in societies like my Southern California suburban home.