'Baato' presents overlapping stories that focus on everyday Nepalis who live along the route of a planned highway - a vérité document of a time and place that records life in the Himalayas before a new highway to China forever transforms this roadless landscape. All donations are tax deductible.
'Baato' presents overlapping stories that focus on everyday Nepalis who live along the route of a planned highway - a vérité document of a time and place that records life in the Himalayas before a new highway to China forever transforms this roadless landscape. All donations are tax deductible.
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Story
About The Project
Shot over a nine-month stretch in the dramatic landscape of the Himalayan foothills, 'Baato' immerses its viewers in the sights and sounds of life in eastern Nepal. This feature length vérité documentary film follows five stories of Nepalis who live and work along the route of a highway-to-be.
[foot path - before the road]
WHY THIS MATTERS
‘Baato’ will examine the complexities of development and globalization on a micro scale.
People and communities are adapting to the presence of roads as assimilation into the global economy comes ever closer. The new roads will bring a perceptible shift in the cultures and practices of this ethnically diverse region. As traditional arts and local knowledge start to diminish, the very nature of the hillsides in Nepal will change.
[new road construction in the Arun River valley (eastern Nepal)]
To the locals the new roads coming into the hills represent hope for a brighter future, reducing transportation time and increasing access to healthcare, education, and goods. But a sustainable vision of this future remains a blurry notion. The fact is the roads can bring things into a region just as swiftly as they can take things out. We ask what this means for cultural practices, local economies, and biodiversity of the area.
Nobody else is chronicling these changes taking place in this region of the world, much less taking the time to reflect upon what these changes mean for the future of the area. “Baato” will serve as an important document of a landscape and people in flux. When we were on the road, in the villages, along the steep mountain trails filming we often commented on how it almost felt as if we were living in another time, separated from the 21st century of the outside world. New roads are closing that gap and this film captures and encapsulates this transitional period in the Himalaya. 'Baato' will fuel the debate surround development and globalization, and it will open up a dialogue both within Nepal and around the world regarding infrastructure building in the developing world.
OUR DOCUMENTARY
'Baato' (n. [Nepali] 1. path, trail 2. road) presents five overlapping stories that focus on everyday Nepalis who live along the route of a planned transnational highway. Through the character’s experiences a document of a time and place emerges - one that details life in the Himalayas before this new highway to China forever transforms this roadless landscape.
[Sumjok (purple headscarf) surveys the scene of the road construction]
'Baato' is a visual feast – a journey through the heart of Nepal. Comprised entirely of vérité footage, the film reflects the intimate access we had with the characters of the film. Audiences will be transported and lead along the route of a coming highway by a mule team driver, a teenage villager, a bus employee, a mother on seasonal migration with her young family, and a road construction worker. Each character has his or her own set of challenges to overcome, but all are bound together by a connection to the land that they traverse.
[four of the five characters in our film, clockwise from top left: Mikma (carrying load), Abiral, Limbu, Kaji Ram]
FUNDING & PROGRESS TO DATE
'Baato' was funded in part through the Fulbright program, as well as through the generous contributions of a small number of private supporters. We were able to spend nine straight months in Nepal producing the film and returned to the US in the summer of 2015. The earthquake that devastated much of central Nepal on April 25th, 2015 jolted us as it did the entire country, but it did not put an end to our production. We continued shooting and captured our final story of the film in May of 2015. All of our footage is "in the can" and we are well on our way to a rough cut of the film. 'Baato' was chosen to participate in the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival's Pitch Fest in Missoula, Montana in 2016.
[production still of Kate (far left) at work on the film, circa 2015]
We have managed to get this far by keeping our team lean and keeping our overhead expenses very low. Since returning to the U.S. we have worked diligently on this film. Now we need push into high gear, and make a final concerted effort to finish the film. This is where contributions from you come in. With the money raised through this campaign, we will be able to bring on the post-production crew and afford the services that are desperately needed to get this film ready for the public in a timely way.
And even if you can’t contribute right now, please support us by following our page and sharing this project with others. If we get 1000 followers, we will become eligible for significant rewards from Seed&Spark.
**All contributions are tax-deductible through our fiscal sponsor, Documentary Education Resources. They will send you a letter detailing your contribution for tax purposes at the start of 2017.
We are counting on you!
A heartfelt thank you,
Lucas Millard and Kate Strykerco-directors, 'Baato'
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UPDATES TO COME!
As the campaign continues, we will update with a bit about each characters story, as well as some exclusive looks at some of the films we made that were used to develop the project. Stay tuned and see you soon.
Incentives
$5
roadie
Personalized "thank you" shout out on social media.
$10
backpacker
Thank you in the credits of the film and a shout out on social media.
$25
traveler
Thank you in the film credits, shout out on social media, and a limited-time link to stream the film* [*after we premiere it, of course]
$40
explorer (Rukkum Millet Red)
All the benefits of a 'traveler' plus this Himal beanie from Sherpa Adventure Gear. Hand-woven in Bhaktapur, the ancient walled city that sits in the Kathmandu valley. A special gift coming to you all the way from Nepal!
Sold Out!
$40
explorer (Ningma Purple)
All the benefits of a 'traveler' plus this Jumla Hat from Sherpa Adventure Gear. Hand-woven in Bhaktapur, the ancient walled city that sits in the Kathmandu valley. A special gift coming to you all the way from Nepal!
Claimed: 2 of 7
$40
explorer (Ganghes River Green)
All the benefits of a 'traveler' plus this Jumla Hat from Sherpa Adventure Gear. Hand-woven in Bhaktapur, the ancient walled city that sits in the Kathmandu valley. A special gift coming to you all the way from Nepal!
Sold Out!
$50
promoter
All of the incentives of a traveler plus a super comfortable T-shirt designed by a secret artist. It's gonna be cool, trust us.
$100
seasoned traveler
A thank you in the end credits, a social media shout out, a t-shirt AND a downloadable copy* of the film [*available after the film premieres]
$125
"Woman with Child" signed print
A signed print of a 35mm black & white original photograph from Lucas' 1997 collection 'elements of nepal.' Photo measures 8"x10" and comes mounted and frame-ready on 11"x14" archival white mat board. You will also receive a download of the film,* a thank you in the credits, and a social media shout out. [*after the film premieres]
Sold Out!
$150
"Along the Bagmati #1" large chromogenic print
A chromogenic enlargement of a 120mm color negative original photograph from Kate Stryker, taken in Kathmandu during a break in production of 'Baato.' Photo measures 20"x24" and will be shipped in a tube. You will also receive a download of the film,* a thank you in the credits, and a social media shout out. [*after the film premieres]
Sold Out!
$150
"Along the Bagmati #2" large chromogenic print
A chromogenic enlargement of a 120mm color negative original photograph from Kate Stryker, taken in Kathmandu during a break in production of 'Baato.' Photo measures 20"x24" and will be shipped in a tube. You will also receive a download of the film,* a thank you in the credits, and a social media shout out. [*after the film premieres]
Sold Out!
$150
"Along the Bagmati #3" large chromogenic print
A chromogenic enlargement of a 120mm color negative original photograph from Kate Stryker, taken in Kathmandu during a break in production of 'Baato.' Photo measures 20"x24" and will be shipped in a tube. You will also receive a download of the film,* a thank you in the credits, and a social media shout out. [*after the film premieres]
Sold Out!
$150
"Along the Bagmati #4" large chromogenic print
A chromogenic enlargement of a 120mm color negative original photograph from Kate Stryker, taken in Kathmandu during a break in production of 'Baato.' Photo measures 20"x24" and will be shipped in a tube. You will also receive a download of the film,* a thank you in the credits, and a social media shout out. [*after the film premieres]
Sold Out!
$200
solar globetrotter
All of the benefits of a 'seasoned traveler' plus a brand new Guide 10 Plus Solar Kit - a handy solar battery recharge kit graciously donated by GoalZero. We used GoalZero solar panels and batteries while shooting in Nepal - they were an essential part of our production package and never let us down. You will also receive a download of the film,* a thank you in the credits, and a social media shout out. [*after the film premieres]
From GoalZero's website: "With the Guide 10 Plus Recharger and Nomad 7 Solar Panel you have a portable, rugged charging kit as adventurous as you are. Charge AAs from the sun or any USB port, then power your phone, MP3, GPS, or perk up your tablet in a pinch."
Claimed: 3 of 5
$250
"After the Harvest #1" signed photo
A signed print of a 35mm black & white original photograph from Lucas' 1997 collection 'elements of nepal.' Photo measures 10"x14" and comes mounted and frame-ready on 14"x18" archival white mat board. You will also receive a download of the film,* a thank you in the credits, and a social media shout out. [*after the film premieres]
Sold Out!
$250
'Namaste' signed photo
A signed print of a 35mm black & white original photograph from Lucas' 1997 collection 'elements of nepal.' Photo measures 10"x14" and comes mounted and frame-ready on 14"x18" archival white mat board. You will also receive a download of the film,* a thank you in the credits, and a social media shout out. [*after the film premieres]
Sold Out!
$250
'After the Harvest #2' signed photo
A signed print of a 35mm black & white original photograph from Lucas' 1997 collection 'elements of nepal.' Photo measures 10"x14" and comes mounted and frame-ready on 14"x18" archival white mat board. You will also receive a download of the film,* a thank you in the credits, and a social media shout out. [*after the film premieres]
Sold Out!
$250
'House with a View' signed photo
A signed print of a 35mm black & white original photograph from Lucas' 1997 collection 'elements of nepal.' Photo measures 10"x14" and comes mounted and frame-ready on 14"x18" archival white mat board. You will also receive a download of the film,* a thank you in the credits, and a social media shout out. [*after the film premieres]
Sold Out!
$500
seat at the table
A private dinner with the filmmakers at their favorite Nepali restaurant in New York City (travel and accommodation not included), plus a digital download of the film*, a thank you in the end credits, and a shout out on social media. [*after the film premieres]
Claimed: 0 of 4
$1,000
a seat of your own
A ticket to the premiere of the film for you and one guest (airfare and accomodations not included) plus all the benefits of the 'seasoned traveler' level.
Claimed: 0 of 2
$5,000
associate producer
We will give you associate producer credit on the film. You will also receive a digital download of the film* and a shout out on social media, plus all the benefits of a 'seasoned traveler.' [*after the film premieres]
Claimed: 0 of 2
$10,000
executive producer
You are the cream of the crop, the king of the road! You will receive Executive Producer credit on the film, as well as a digital download of the film and a shout out on social media, plus all the benefits of a 'seasoned traveler.'
Claimed: 0 of 2
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$5
roadie
Personalized "thank you" shout out on social media.
$10
backpacker
Thank you in the credits of the film and a shout out on social media.
$25
traveler
Thank you in the film credits, shout out on social media, and a limited-time link to stream the film* [*after we premiere it, of course]
$40
explorer (Rukkum Millet Red)
All the benefits of a 'traveler' plus this Himal beanie from Sherpa Adventure Gear. Hand-woven in Bhaktapur, the ancient walled city that sits in the Kathmandu valley. A special gift coming to you all the way from Nepal!
Sold Out!
$40
explorer (Ningma Purple)
All the benefits of a 'traveler' plus this Jumla Hat from Sherpa Adventure Gear. Hand-woven in Bhaktapur, the ancient walled city that sits in the Kathmandu valley. A special gift coming to you all the way from Nepal!
Claimed: 2 of 7
$40
explorer (Ganghes River Green)
All the benefits of a 'traveler' plus this Jumla Hat from Sherpa Adventure Gear. Hand-woven in Bhaktapur, the ancient walled city that sits in the Kathmandu valley. A special gift coming to you all the way from Nepal!
Sold Out!
$50
promoter
All of the incentives of a traveler plus a super comfortable T-shirt designed by a secret artist. It's gonna be cool, trust us.
$100
seasoned traveler
A thank you in the end credits, a social media shout out, a t-shirt AND a downloadable copy* of the film [*available after the film premieres]
$125
"Woman with Child" signed print
A signed print of a 35mm black & white original photograph from Lucas' 1997 collection 'elements of nepal.' Photo measures 8"x10" and comes mounted and frame-ready on 11"x14" archival white mat board. You will also receive a download of the film,* a thank you in the credits, and a social media shout out. [*after the film premieres]
Sold Out!
$150
"Along the Bagmati #1" large chromogenic print
A chromogenic enlargement of a 120mm color negative original photograph from Kate Stryker, taken in Kathmandu during a break in production of 'Baato.' Photo measures 20"x24" and will be shipped in a tube. You will also receive a download of the film,* a thank you in the credits, and a social media shout out. [*after the film premieres]
Sold Out!
$150
"Along the Bagmati #2" large chromogenic print
A chromogenic enlargement of a 120mm color negative original photograph from Kate Stryker, taken in Kathmandu during a break in production of 'Baato.' Photo measures 20"x24" and will be shipped in a tube. You will also receive a download of the film,* a thank you in the credits, and a social media shout out. [*after the film premieres]
Sold Out!
$150
"Along the Bagmati #3" large chromogenic print
A chromogenic enlargement of a 120mm color negative original photograph from Kate Stryker, taken in Kathmandu during a break in production of 'Baato.' Photo measures 20"x24" and will be shipped in a tube. You will also receive a download of the film,* a thank you in the credits, and a social media shout out. [*after the film premieres]
Sold Out!
$150
"Along the Bagmati #4" large chromogenic print
A chromogenic enlargement of a 120mm color negative original photograph from Kate Stryker, taken in Kathmandu during a break in production of 'Baato.' Photo measures 20"x24" and will be shipped in a tube. You will also receive a download of the film,* a thank you in the credits, and a social media shout out. [*after the film premieres]
Sold Out!
$200
solar globetrotter
All of the benefits of a 'seasoned traveler' plus a brand new Guide 10 Plus Solar Kit - a handy solar battery recharge kit graciously donated by GoalZero. We used GoalZero solar panels and batteries while shooting in Nepal - they were an essential part of our production package and never let us down. You will also receive a download of the film,* a thank you in the credits, and a social media shout out. [*after the film premieres]
From GoalZero's website: "With the Guide 10 Plus Recharger and Nomad 7 Solar Panel you have a portable, rugged charging kit as adventurous as you are. Charge AAs from the sun or any USB port, then power your phone, MP3, GPS, or perk up your tablet in a pinch."
Claimed: 3 of 5
$250
"After the Harvest #1" signed photo
A signed print of a 35mm black & white original photograph from Lucas' 1997 collection 'elements of nepal.' Photo measures 10"x14" and comes mounted and frame-ready on 14"x18" archival white mat board. You will also receive a download of the film,* a thank you in the credits, and a social media shout out. [*after the film premieres]
Sold Out!
$250
'Namaste' signed photo
A signed print of a 35mm black & white original photograph from Lucas' 1997 collection 'elements of nepal.' Photo measures 10"x14" and comes mounted and frame-ready on 14"x18" archival white mat board. You will also receive a download of the film,* a thank you in the credits, and a social media shout out. [*after the film premieres]
Sold Out!
$250
'After the Harvest #2' signed photo
A signed print of a 35mm black & white original photograph from Lucas' 1997 collection 'elements of nepal.' Photo measures 10"x14" and comes mounted and frame-ready on 14"x18" archival white mat board. You will also receive a download of the film,* a thank you in the credits, and a social media shout out. [*after the film premieres]
Sold Out!
$250
'House with a View' signed photo
A signed print of a 35mm black & white original photograph from Lucas' 1997 collection 'elements of nepal.' Photo measures 10"x14" and comes mounted and frame-ready on 14"x18" archival white mat board. You will also receive a download of the film,* a thank you in the credits, and a social media shout out. [*after the film premieres]
Sold Out!
$500
seat at the table
A private dinner with the filmmakers at their favorite Nepali restaurant in New York City (travel and accommodation not included), plus a digital download of the film*, a thank you in the end credits, and a shout out on social media. [*after the film premieres]
Claimed: 0 of 4
$1,000
a seat of your own
A ticket to the premiere of the film for you and one guest (airfare and accomodations not included) plus all the benefits of the 'seasoned traveler' level.
Claimed: 0 of 2
$5,000
associate producer
We will give you associate producer credit on the film. You will also receive a digital download of the film* and a shout out on social media, plus all the benefits of a 'seasoned traveler.' [*after the film premieres]
Claimed: 0 of 2
$10,000
executive producer
You are the cream of the crop, the king of the road! You will receive Executive Producer credit on the film, as well as a digital download of the film and a shout out on social media, plus all the benefits of a 'seasoned traveler.'
Claimed: 0 of 2
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
LUCAS MILLARD | co-director, producer, cinematographer
An award-winning filmmaker and cinematographer based out of New York, Lucas Millard has photographed several feature films, including “The Happy Poet” which played at the Venice Biennale (2010) and “Kiki” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival (2016). His work has aired on HBO, Showtime, Sundance Channel, BET, PBS, and RSI (SwissTV). Millard has worked with film organizations worldwide, including the Cinematheque de Tanger (Morocco), Mono No Aware (N.Y.C.), and Sattya Media Arts Collective (Nepal). Millard is one half the talent behind Bottomless Well Films, a production company he runs with his partner Kate Stryker. He grew up in Cincinnati, OH and got his MFA in film production from the University of Texas in Austin. He is well-versed in Nepali.
KATE STRYKER | co-director, cinematographer
Kate Stryker is a filmmaker, educator, and student. Stryker has directed two documentary shorts that have screened at festivals in the U.S. and Nepal, created numerous stop motion animations (including two for TED Ed), and led filmmaking workshops in New York and Kathmandu. From 2009 to 2012, Stryker was a public high school biology teacher in the Bronx. Since 2013 she worked as an educational coach and media instructor for the Educational Video Center in N.Y.C., the Newburgh Performing Arts Academy, and Names, Not Numbers- a documentary education project. Stryker is interested in stories that explore the intersection between people and their natual environments.
[Kate and Lucas in eastern Nepal, 2013]
LUCAS' BACK STORY IN NEPAL
In the mid 1990’s, as an anthropology student, I decided that I needed a new perspective on the consumer culture that I had grown up in. I had the fortune to go on a study abroad program in Nepal.
To call my first inundation into another culture, living with a host family in Nepal for a year, a transformative experience would be a gross understatement. It is difficult to put into words the impression that that year made on me. Compassion, hospitality, and humility are lessons learned that come to mind. Not to mention the perceptual shift that occurs when one begins to experience the world through a foreign language, akin to pulling the skin back on an onion and finding a fresh new layer similar to, but different from the one above. Memories of that time continue to inspire me to be a better person.
[Lucas in 1997 in eastern Nepal with C.B. Dewan (left) and family]
I have heeded the call to return to Nepal again and again over the years and in the winter of 2012-13 my partner Kate Stryker joined on me on one such trip. We went to Nepal to teach some filmmaking workshops with the dynamic media arts collective, Sattya. While in the country we also visited some of my old haunts in eastern Nepal and I was immediately struck by how fast the landscape had begun to change. Now that roads are being introduced into the foothills with increasing frequency, we were compelled to document these stories of a largely unrepresented part of the world.
[tractor in Gupha Pokhari (eastern Nepal) taken during our scouting trip]
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