Katmandú, un espejo en el cielo

Director Iciar Bollain has the rare ability of creating deeply affecting and emotional films without ever even remotely slipping into melodrama or sentimentality. Perhaps this is to some extent due to her unshakeable sense of social justice, which has also always been a fundamental element in other films by her that I've watched.

This film starts as a simple enough story of a young idealistic Catalan teacher in Kathmandu in the 90s, attempting to set up a school for poor and disadvantaged children. Without ever losing sight of the central narrative, the film becomes increasingly complex, exploring related storylines, when her friendships deepen and she forms relationships, coming up against the traditional values and restrictions of a society very different from her own. It could hardly be better balanced and keeps gaining in intensity.

Veronica Echegui in the central role truly shines, variously and totally convincingly expressing commitment, love, frustration, anger, joy and grief. Around her are numerous, extremely well acted and rounded characters, quite a few of whom I suppose not to be professional actors. Every scene just breathes authenticity. The urban as well as remote mountain locations are extremely well chosen and and sensitively balanced, showing some of the extreme poverty, as well as astounding beauty of Nepal.

Iciar Bollain has directed two other of my favourite films, 'Even the Rain' and 'The Olive Tree'. I also recommend them both highly.

Just why, o why, do powerful films like this not reach a wider audience here.