Pahuna - The Little Visitors

Violence and conflict in the Himalayas: The children Amrita and Pranay flee with the infant Bishal from their homeland Nepal to the Indian province of Sikkim. The parents stay behind and give their offspring into the care of the inhabitants of their mountain village. Around the campfire, the village elder tells terrifying stories about the "child-eating priests" in Sikkim, whereupon Amrita and Pranay flee in fear into the dark forests. In a rusty caravan they hide from a roaming priest. Brother and sister must now care for baby Bishal alone: they wash at the nearby river, build fires, and change diapers. For much-needed goat's milk, Pranay tends the small herd of an old shepherd. As food becomes scarcer, Amrita begins to help out a pregnant woman with her daily routine. Thus, the baby has to stay alone in the shelter during nap time. When Amrita forgets the time one day, the minibus is towed away - but where is Bishal? The siblings embark on a desperate search for their brother and find more than just a family member again. "A story of sibling love and foreign cultures thrillingly told in impressive landscape panoramas." (International Film Festival Mannheim-Heidelberg) Despite its tragic story of flight, the film is full of poetry and confidence. It shows us children who never doubt that they will master their difficult situation and the breathtaking landscape in the border area between Nepal and India. The FBW Youth Film Jury writes: "This touching and playful children's film, which is very realistic, deals with the themes: Family cohesion, flight, religion and hope. We can practically experience the speed of the escape because the camera moves along with the people. In addition, the many cuts made the flight seem very hectic, which underlined the tragic situation very well. In addition to this hectic pace, the film also has quiet parts. The message of the fast-paced film is that you can find a home anywhere, even in an old bus." (jugend-filmjury.com)