Bridging Generations in Nepali Cinema

From the very beginning, the development of cinema has always been a question of revolution and tradition. Missing: Keti Harayeko Suchana, an upcoming Nepali feature film is a good example of this blend, where senior director Deependra Gauchan is accompanied by a team of junior directors. Combined with traditional and modern techniques, this creates a film that interests both the older and younger audiences.

A Fusion of Experience and Fresh Ideas
For the experienced director, it was not just a business to work with young filmmakers but for their own development as well. They were employing deep narrative strategies and classic techniques that received new life from the youthful team’s creativity. It also ensured mutual learning due to the harmonious working relations that prevailed during the implementation of the project. The director who was set in his ways, got motivated from the ideas provided by assistant directors and the work environment resulted in the director coming up with better stories to tell and better methods to tell them. It turned into an exchange of ideas, which can be considered as a mixture between sharing knowledge and supervision.

The younger team, on the other hand, described learning from the veteran concerning their precaution, which entails depth as well. It is not every day that one sees a director taking his time to make each shot look perfect, especially in an age when technology continues to dominate. The assistants found out that while technicalities are helpful when telling a story, they should not strip the essence of the story personally.

Capturing Tradition for Modern Audiences
The theme of Missing—unity in diversity—resonates with both younger and older audiences. The assistant directors knew that to make this concept relevant, they needed to balance it skillfully, ensuring that it felt fresh yet deeply connected to its roots. This balancing act was personified by the character Villas, a young man whose demeanor reflects influences from older generations. Through Villas, the film serves as a metaphor for the coexistence of tradition and modernity, providing a bridge between past and present. Crafting a character like Villas required the team to pay careful attention to detail. His mannerisms, speech, and interactions were designed to resonate with viewers who see elements of the past reflected in contemporary life. This careful character development ensured that audiences could see themselves in the story, making it relatable and emotionally compelling. The younger filmmakers’ commitment to retaining these traditional nuances while presenting them in a modern light showcased their understanding of the film’s theme.

The Role of Technology
To inject new energy into a heritage-based story, the team experimented with the Sony FX3 camera, which had previously been employed in Mansara. This decision enabled the filmmakers to depict the Terai region's culture in vivid detail, capturing the essence of Mithila art, the majesty of Janaki Mandir, and the spirit of the Ganga Aarati. The modern technology highlighted these traditional characteristics, making them relevant to today's audience while maintaining their authenticity. The incorporation of modern technologies was more than just a technical decision; it was a reflection of the film's overall ambition to combine tradition and progress. Using tools like the FX3, the filmmakers honored Nepal's rich visual traditions while infusing them with a modern style.

Challenges and Lessons
The collaboration was not without problems. Differences in working styles occasionally caused conflict; the veteran director's cautious approach contrasted with the assistants' fast-paced techniques. However, these disparities finally resulted in a successful combination of structure and adaptability. The experienced came to appreciate the power of fast, tech-driven storytelling, while the younger team came to value the director's emphasis on depth and narrative integrity. This dynamic produced a film that emphasized the strengths of both generations. The younger staff offered a new tempo and technological expertise, while the director ensured that the plot remained emotionally rich.

A blueprint for Nepali cinema
Missing is more than just a film; it represents the future of Nepali filmmaking. It demonstrates how traditional and modern approaches can complement rather than conflict with one another. The experience demonstrates that, while new technology might improve narrative, the timeless concepts of emotion, humanity, and connection remain paramount. This collaboration provides lessons that extend beyond a single project. It inspires future filmmakers to rely on the assets of both classic and contemporary approaches, resulting in inclusive stories that reach across generations. In an industry characterized by perpetual change, Missing serves as a reminder that true storytelling connects the past and present, utilizing innovation to enhance rather than overshadow its roots.

The Heart of Storytelling
The essence of Missing is its portrayal of unity and collaboration, both in the narrative and in the production. The filmmaking process itself is a story of unity—between old and new, tradition and innovation, experienced and inexperienced. This combination serves as a reminder that, while cinema evolves and technology progresses, the human experience will remain at the center of storytelling. The project emphasizes the necessity of balancing progress with respect for tradition. While filmmaking equipment and methods may evolve throughout time, the art of delivering an emotionally engaging story will endure. Missing embodies this notion by combining new methods with traditional storytelling components, demonstrating how cinema's future may be enhanced by its past. In an industry defined by constant change, Missing stands as a beacon for what can be achieved through collaborative, crossgenerational efforts. It's a call to filmmakers to not just adapt to change, but to do so while retaining the spirit of what makes a tale special. By combining old and new, filmmakers may produce cinema that honors its roots while appealing to modern viewers, ensuring that the craft of storytelling stays dynamic and relevant for many years to come.

By Ritika Shakya in coordination with Tri-City (Production team of 'Keti Harayeko Suchana')