Here's something to elevate the spirits - the UK's first Himalayan film and cultural festival. The UK is home to one of the biggest Himalayan communities outside of South Asia, yet to many, this wonderful area of the world remains a mystery.
The organisers hope this festival will change all that, as well as bringing together these diaspora communities and giving a platform for Himalayan artists to showcase their work. Celebrating the rich and varied cultures of the worlds highest mountain range, the festival encompasses film, music, art and photography. Classic films and documentaries from Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, Pakistan feature alongside films showing in the UK for the first time. Some highlights include:
Eric Valli's Oscar nominated Himalaya - a story of revenge and one that explores the generation gap, which is particularly marked in the mountains today.
The Kite Runner, based on Khaled Hosseini's acclaimed novel, is an emotional tale of friendship, family, devastating mistakes and redeeming love.
Travellers and magicians, tells the tale of Dondup, who after graduating from university, feels bored by the leisurely pace of life in his village in the small kingdom of Bhutan, and decides to leave to seek his fortune picking grapes in the USA.
Riding solo to the top of the world - a road trip that takes this intrepid traveller on the journey of a lifetime.
Exhibitions include international art and photography and traditional and modern styles of music spanning the snowy peaks. Look out for acclaimed Indian bansuri, or bamboo flute player Pandit Ronu Majumdar, whose many recordings of Hindustani classical music have been justly celebrated. Here, he is accompanied by the tabla.
Often dubbed 'The roof of the world', the Himalaya region is a crucible to some of the world';s most exciting cultures, philosophies and religions and this UK festival debut leaves us in no doubt of that. Disappointingly though for Yeti fans, it appears that old Big Foot doesn't get a look in.
The festival is spread across various London venues between 28 Jan - 12 Feb
