Director Sergio Basso presents a stirring portrayal of life in a Nepalese refugee camp through the eyes of 13-year-old SARITA, in this semi-documentary musical. Born to the Lhotshampa, an ethnic group exiled from Bhutan in 1990, SARITA's journey is one of self-discovery against the backdrop of displacement and cultural preservation. Over a decade, Basso blends documentary footage with fictional narrative and Bollywood-style music and dance, capturing the camp's vibrancy amidst adversity. The film is acclaimed for its innovative storytelling, praises for its vivid depiction of daily life and cultural traditions, while bringing attention to an overlooked story. SARITA delves into themes of identity, belonging, and resilience, resonating with audiences worldwide. Through SARITA’s perspective, viewers engage with the complexities of cultural roots and the quest for a homeland. This blend of documentary realism and musical fantasy in SARITA not only sheds light on the plight of the Lhotshampa but also celebrates their enduring spirit. It's a poignant reminder of the human cost of political conflicts, eloquently told through a tapestry of song, dance, and narrative. The film stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the relentless pursuit of identity and belonging in the face of displacement and uncertainty.
Documentary, Music, Dance, Theater
1h 29min
12 FSK
NE
EN
DE
IT
Bollywood in a refugee camp: in this docu-musical, refugees sing about the loss of their identity without pathos, but with a lot of irony.
Director Sergio Basso presents a stirring portrayal of life in a Nepalese refugee camp through the eyes of 13-year-old SARITA, in this semi-documentary musical. Born to the Lhotshampa, an ethnic group exiled from Bhutan in 1990, SARITA's journey is one of self-discovery against the backdrop of displacement and cultural preservation. Over a decade, Basso blends documentary footage with fictional narrative and Bollywood-style music and dance, capturing the camp's vibrancy amidst adversity.
The film is acclaimed for its innovative storytelling, praises for its vivid depiction of daily life and cultural traditions, while bringing attention to an overlooked story. SARITA delves into themes of identity, belonging, and resilience, resonating with audiences worldwide. Through SARITA’s perspective, viewers engage with the complexities of cultural roots and the quest for a homeland.
This blend of documentary realism and musical fantasy in SARITA not only sheds light on the plight of the Lhotshampa but also celebrates their enduring spirit. It's a poignant reminder of the human cost of political conflicts, eloquently told through a tapestry of song, dance, and narrative. The film stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the relentless pursuit of identity and belonging in the face of displacement and uncertainty.