Nepalese have Himalayan dreams too

The second and final screening of Himalayan Dreams yesterday concluded with more audience support, reports Shanoo. "They really seem to like the film," she said.

When Muha got on stage to speak, a young woman praised the film and told Muha it wasn't only Maldivians who had Himalayan dreams. Many Nepalese too have never trekked to Kaala Pattar, and dream of doing so.

Adam was able to make it to the screening, along with Shanoo, Tho and Muha.

KIMFF wraps up tomorrow and then Muha is off on a trek.

"Very good films"

Muha is enjoying himself at the festival, which according to him has got some very good films. I agree and, although I would love to see all the films being screened, I've especially wanted to see Mountain Patrol and 37 Uses For A Dead Sheep. I hope I can get the dvds of some of these films.

Meanwhile Himalayan Dreams appears to be receiving considerable interest. A Nepali language paper Mahanagar Daily interviewed Muha, asking what Maldivians thought of the Nepalese.

Many people seem to have liked Himalayan Dreams, audiences as well as filmmakers.

Apparently more people now went to Everest Base Camp from the Tibetan side, because the trek from Nepal, which is covered in the film, is more difficult.

Himalayan Dreams will be screened again tomorrow at 5.00pm local time, followed by discussions.

"Simple but nice"

"Himalayan Dreams" premiered well at KIMFF 2006, reports Shanoo, who was able to make it to the screening in the nick of time.

The audience liked the idea of someone from sea-level going all the way up to the Himalaya and back, and described the film as "simple but nice". After the screening, Muha said a few words and took questions from the audience. Shanoo also reports that a local paper took his picture and it looked like he was getting famous!

In addition, around nine Maldivians went to see the film, which is pretty nice of them really.

Many thanks to Shanoo for rushing from OPD to the screening and also for sending a report.

KIMFF 2006 kicks off

The Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival kicked off at the Russian Cultural Centre at 11 am local time this morning. A Canadian film "100% Woman", about a man who became a woman to take part in a women's mountain bike competition, was the opening film.

Nazir Sabir, the first Pakistani to summit Mount Everest, was the chief guest of the ceremony.

"Himalayan Dreams" will be screened at the same place at 4.00pm local time and in addition to Muha, many Maldivians are expected to attend. Unfortunately Shanoo and Adam can't make it to the screening.

Reported by Muha.

Muha in Kathmandu

Muha arrived yesterday in Kathmandu and is staying in Thamel, which has great shops and restuarants. He is well after the long flight there. He has already met filmmakers and is today going out to see the Gongaboo doctors because he has to deliver stuff for Shanoo from home, probably rihaakuru or Maldivian fishpaste. No doubt he'll be gorging himself on momos, if Shanoo takes him out for a meal.

"Himalayan Dreams" premieres tomorrow at 4.00pm. For the full schedule visit:

http://www.himalassociation.org/kimff/kimff06.htm

Amin, your support has been invaluable in our Himalayan journey and I'm sure Muha agrees with me. You must come to Nepal next year, when I'm there! Everyone should walk in the Himalayan foothills for a few weeks if they can, and it's so easy to do this in Nepal. As Muha says, once you've been there you can't stay away for more than a few months before you start yearning to go back.

Muha on the rocks

Muha materialised at the "Track", or Male's swimming area, today for a last dip before heading off to the Himalaya. He leaves late tonight on a rather long flight to Kathmandu, via Dubai and Dhaka, to attend the screening of Himalayan Dreams at KIMFF 2006. He didn't swim much, just climbed the four-legged concrete blocks which serve as Male's seawall and sat there looking at the sea and thinking whatever it is that he thinks when he sits there. Yasir and Ayya, under Zunej's instructions, were practising their swimming drills but got out soon after sunset to see a Leonardo Di Caprio film! But Yasir said it also starred Jack Nicholsen, who bears an uncanny resemblance to him. Then Sharif arrived there and said he'd seen the film too but only because it was a Martin Scorsese film.

In any case Muha is looking forward to going to Nepal. He said the night-time temperatures dipped to 2 degrees celcius.

It was a beautiful sunset today, great clolours. But I couldn't wondering how it would feel, looking at the sunset and the moon up in the mountains in the chill of the evening.