What an amazing film. You are taken in her perspective of the world and how she goes against society norms in Nepal. The camera helps her fight through. We are taken through her life and how she has grown and changed, and how she is helping everyone grow and change. It's just amazing. You go through an emotional roller coaster.
20 Reviews
Powerful and inspirational
elizahward9 July 2021
Wow! I was blown away by this film. It's such an incredible and original story of empowerment of a Nepali girl from a poor, Dalit background with no education, who then fights back - against her husband and society as a whole - with her camera as her weapon.
Heart-breakingly sad, funny, moving, heart-soaringly happy - you're taken through the whole gamut of emotions, but never feel manipulated. Such an insight into a way of life that you'd never be able to witness if it weren't Belmaya herself behind the camera. Belmaya rocks!
Heart-breakingly sad, funny, moving, heart-soaringly happy - you're taken through the whole gamut of emotions, but never feel manipulated. Such an insight into a way of life that you'd never be able to witness if it weren't Belmaya herself behind the camera. Belmaya rocks!
Insightful
ejanethomas-8040927 September 2021
As others say this is a moving film as we follow Belmaya's struggle to achieve independence in a society that still ranks women as inferior.
Despite marrying young and having a child, she finds her way to success after Sue Carpenter gives her a camera; this gradually becomes her tool of empowerment.
A sensitive film addressing many issues set against the lovely backdrop of Pokhara. Belmaya's struggle is still not over nor is it for many girls in Nepal.
Despite marrying young and having a child, she finds her way to success after Sue Carpenter gives her a camera; this gradually becomes her tool of empowerment.
A sensitive film addressing many issues set against the lovely backdrop of Pokhara. Belmaya's struggle is still not over nor is it for many girls in Nepal.
Uplifting and inspirational
olwynowen25 September 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I absolutely loved this film and am so grateful that such a moving and uplifting true story has been brought to the screen.
Belmaya is a beautiful soul who takes us into her world in a really profound way. This is the story of a poor and uneducated Nepali girl who discovers film-making and, against all the odds, makes a beautiful film chronicling her journey. It is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the strength of women, even in adverse circumstances. It is funny, sad, happy, moving, glorious - in short, a triumph. Belmaya and her story will stay with me for a very long time.
Very many congratulations - and thank you.
Belmaya is a beautiful soul who takes us into her world in a really profound way. This is the story of a poor and uneducated Nepali girl who discovers film-making and, against all the odds, makes a beautiful film chronicling her journey. It is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the strength of women, even in adverse circumstances. It is funny, sad, happy, moving, glorious - in short, a triumph. Belmaya and her story will stay with me for a very long time.
Very many congratulations - and thank you.
Life changing!!
liasianastasia1 October 2021
A beautiful and powerful documentary following an inspirational woman, Belmaya. Belmaya's story proves to women worldwide that determination and persistence can shift your fate, no matter what circumstances you have been given in life.
Sue Carpenter has devoted many years to this film and it has payed off, she has created a one of a kind experience that should be watched for years to come. The film has many life lessons to take from it.
An extra perk...it's a stunning insight into the natural wonders that Nepal has to display.
Sue Carpenter has devoted many years to this film and it has payed off, she has created a one of a kind experience that should be watched for years to come. The film has many life lessons to take from it.
An extra perk...it's a stunning insight into the natural wonders that Nepal has to display.
Inspirational must see!
jlofchy1 October 2021
Beautiful piece of film making with an important message regarding the need to educate young girls in Nepal and by extension other developing countries. A meta-film filled with beauty and strength leaving the viewer with hope for Belmaya and her future.
Fascinating film
Helena_Rold-Azlett1 October 2021
Sensational movie!
mayagur23 May 2022
So inspiring!
vzmzwg8 March 2022
This film was very moving and informative on the life of Belmaya. Her life story and how she overcame the rough obstacles and became an amazing mother and filmmaker is truly inspiring. Very glad I had the opportunity to speak to the director and Belmaya herself about the film.
A lovely film. Highly recommended.
gmhutchins723 May 2022
A really well made, delightful, eye-opening and touching film. I loved the journey that Belmaya went on and the soundtrack is also a belter. I'll be keeping my Brady eyes open for the filmmakers next project. A must watch.
Powerful and personal documentary about the multiple challenges facing a woman in Nepal searching for independence
karishmagic-306606 December 2021
This is a very personal film about the challenges faced by one particular young woman looking to be independent socially and economically in Nepal. It is shot and edited with empathy, skill and care backed by beautiful music and scenery. It could be mawkish but it isn't.
I was transfixed from beginning to end .
I was transfixed from beginning to end .
Touching and Uplifting
katieisbester15 October 2021
Despite the grim topic, Belmaya is so resilient a character with such a drive and an intellect, that this film ends up being quite a positive watch.
It also nicely showcases the sensitivity of British filmmaker, Sue Carpenter, and what that achieve in film: a trusting relationship of sharing and partnership. More films should be made in this fashion where the person being filmed is genuinely directing the end product. It strips away any suggestion that this has been exploitative in any way.
I also quite liked that they decided to leave in enough of the husband's story that he also comes across as a three dimensional man, trapped in a culture that is also vicious to him. He is no monster but rather a man of his time.
It also nicely showcases the sensitivity of British filmmaker, Sue Carpenter, and what that achieve in film: a trusting relationship of sharing and partnership. More films should be made in this fashion where the person being filmed is genuinely directing the end product. It strips away any suggestion that this has been exploitative in any way.
I also quite liked that they decided to leave in enough of the husband's story that he also comes across as a three dimensional man, trapped in a culture that is also vicious to him. He is no monster but rather a man of his time.
Probably the most beautiful film ever made in Nepal
elinablue-4650023 May 2022
This is such a lovely (true) story about a young Nepali girl who refuses to follow the path in life that is expected of her as a woman. Already at a young age you can tell she's feisty and determined despite having gone through a lot of difficulties already before she ends up in a children's home. It is intersting to follow her ups and downs over many years, as she changes from teenager to a mother. It is beautifully filmed and you really get to see what life is like for a girl in Nepal.
Powerful testimony to a remarkable woman in a challenging culture
adrianmurray-691548 October 2021
I loved the film. It took me back to Nepal, when I had a sabbatical 3 months from NHS consultant work and went to learn about childbirth injuries.... excellent film, very powerful and emotional, a story well worth the telling.
Authentic and moving
peteravery-6283224 May 2022
An authentic and moving tale of a remarkable young woman's extraordinary rise above adversity in Nepal to discover her creativity. The film's complex construction means you have attend carefully, bringing you gradually closer to Belmaya and her world.
Extraordinary, insightful film
nancyknit23 May 2022
An unmissable moment of grace!!!
raffenaud-788-34464529 January 2023
This documentary is absolutely beautiful, so moving and so so so well done!!!
It's a necessity to watch it. It opens an objective window on women's conditions in Nepal, as it could be in many other countries, but it also gives hope and an proof that creativity can save.
What a life and what a woman !! Belmaya has got a destiny, undoubtedly she is someone special, a internal light and she could become a lighthouse for other women... Sue Carpenter's work is of a rare intelligence and humility ! I have been also very impressed by the editing and how every picture has got a meaning even subconsciously and how it all works together to serve the subject of the film.
This is a great documentary !!!
It's a necessity to watch it. It opens an objective window on women's conditions in Nepal, as it could be in many other countries, but it also gives hope and an proof that creativity can save.
What a life and what a woman !! Belmaya has got a destiny, undoubtedly she is someone special, a internal light and she could become a lighthouse for other women... Sue Carpenter's work is of a rare intelligence and humility ! I have been also very impressed by the editing and how every picture has got a meaning even subconsciously and how it all works together to serve the subject of the film.
This is a great documentary !!!
Beautiful and moving film
charlotteffry24 March 2023
An insightful and inspiring film that will iempower young women everywhere. Battling against all the odds, Belmaya's tenacity, intelligence shine through. The scenery is breathtaking and provides a counterpoint for the harsh living conditions endured by so many people, in particular the women. Belmaya's passion for photography and film-making and her determination that her own daughter be provided with the education she herself was denied, makes one silently cheer her on. I would recommend I AM BELMAYA to everyone, but in particular to young women. This is a visionary film that will leave an imprint on my mind.
Really powerful story very beautifully told
rachelj-6128312 July 2023
A really powerful and moving film. I didn't know much about the subject matter before I started watching and was really blown away. Loved the way the story was pieced together from Belmaya's perspective, really giving us an insight into her life and experiences in a very personal way. Felt a very honest and heartfelt telling of her story, allowing her agency to tell her story her way. Combined with that, the cinematography is beautiful and I was also particularly struck by the soundtrack, which really adds a lot to the narrative. I would highly recommend - this film is definitely worth a watch!
Amazing
aanchal_c3 May 2023
Just a beautiful tale of a girl
Really inspiring
Both in the sense of filmmaking as well as the protagonist
Lovely.
Also so brave of Belmaya for being the rebel that she is Had a chance to discuss the film with sue as well just splendid.
Some of the shots like the little girl going to get errands from the store was shot beautifully
Beautifully edited film Brought tears to my eyes.
The natural calamity, a steel solid woman and her daughter's pursuit So glad that sue could make this film
I am inspired to make documentaries like these it is as if through films like these the power of cinema becomes even greater.
Also so brave of Belmaya for being the rebel that she is Had a chance to discuss the film with sue as well just splendid.
Some of the shots like the little girl going to get errands from the store was shot beautifully
Beautifully edited film Brought tears to my eyes.
The natural calamity, a steel solid woman and her daughter's pursuit So glad that sue could make this film
I am inspired to make documentaries like these it is as if through films like these the power of cinema becomes even greater.
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