The Dolpo-Pa live in the Himalayas. The barren soil of their mountain plateau can hardly feed them. That is why they transport salt on yaks along ancient routes to distant valleys. The arduous treks at 5000 meters above sea level over the steep mountains demand the utmost from the Dolpo-Pa. The old, charismatic Tinle refuses to let young Karma lead the yak caravan because he blames him for the death of his son. But Karma defies the shaman's oracle and Tinle's anger. He sets off with the caravan before the predetermined day. And the young villagers follow him. Against all reason, Tinle decides to set out on the date determined by the gods as well and catch up with Karma. HIMALAYA by Eric Valli expands this story into an epic portrait of human endurance and the forces of nature. The film was nominated for an Academy Award in the category of Best Foreign Language Film in 1999 and won the Grand Prix FIPRESCI at the International Mountain Film Festival in Trento. These prestigious awards and festival appearances – for example at the renowned mountain film festivals in Europe – prove that the film is not only visually overwhelming, but also provides a strong testimony to the struggle for survival in extreme circumstances.
As the members of a Tibetan village prepare for their arduous annual trek to exchange salt for grain, the community's allegiances are split.
The Dolpo-Pa live in the Himalayas. The barren soil of their mountain plateau can hardly feed them. That is why they transport salt on yaks along ancient routes to distant valleys. The arduous treks at 5000 meters above sea level over the steep mountains demand the utmost from the Dolpo-Pa.
The old, charismatic Tinle refuses to let young Karma lead the yak caravan because he blames him for the death of his son. But Karma defies the shaman's oracle and Tinle's anger. He sets off with the caravan before the predetermined day. And the young villagers follow him. Against all reason, Tinle decides to set out on the date determined by the gods as well and catch up with Karma.
HIMALAYA by Eric Valli expands this story into an epic portrait of human endurance and the forces of nature. The film was nominated for an Academy Award in the category of Best Foreign Language Film in 1999 and won the Grand Prix FIPRESCI at the International Mountain Film Festival in Trento. These prestigious awards and festival appearances – for example at the renowned mountain film festivals in Europe – prove that the film is not only visually overwhelming, but also provides a strong testimony to the struggle for survival in extreme circumstances.