Nepali Film ‘White Sun’ Receives Standing Ovation At Venice Film Festival

Nepali film ‘White Sun’ (‘Seto Surya’ in Nepali) premiered at Venice Film Festival on Tuesday where the film was not only loved by the audience that consisted of over 1400 people but also received a standing ovation from them.

Directed by ‘Highway’ fame Deepak Rauniyar, the film was second Nepali film ever to be premiered at the world-famous festival, the first one being ‘Kalo Pothi’ that premiered last year. The film starring Dayahang Rai, Asha Magrati, Rabindra Singh Baniya, Sumi Malla and Amrit Pariyar centres on the story of two brothers who were on the opposing sides during the Nepali civil war.

Deepak Rauniyar & Asha Magarati

Apart from being loved by the audience, the film produced by Deepak Rauniyar, Joslyn Barnes, Tsering Rhitar Sherp and Michel Merkt has also been getting rave reviews from critics. In a review, Hollywood Reporter states, “A standout when premiering in Venice’s Horizons sidebar, it’s a delicately-observed, multi-generational story which will prove awards-bait at festival across the world over the coming months (Toronto is next) and could plausibly go a fair distance in the Oscar Foreign Language category (if submitted).”

The review further reads, “Skilfully manipulating romantic and social frictions melodramatic, Rauniyar and Barker construct a parable-like tale whose allegorical aspects are there for those who wish to find them. But their priority is the creation of believable characters in a pungently atmospheric setting, which then takes shape into a satisfyingly organic narrative patter as White Sun – stark title a reference to an emblem on Nepal’s uniquely non-quadrilateral flag – unfurls.”

Talking from Venice, “We had a great premiere yesterday, full house. As the film ended, people gave a standing ovation. They stayed in the hall, clapping, until we were asked to clear up for the next screening. It felt amazing, more than anything I had ever expected.” Rauniyar told NeoStuffs. “Even after the show when I met people and journalists, they kept on telling me how much they loved the film.”

Dayahang Rai & Asha Magarati

Apart from Rauniyar, the premiere was attended by actors Dayahang Rai and Asha Magarati along with producers Tsering Rhitar Sherpa and Joslyn Barnes. Rai will be leaving for Nepal on Thursday whereas rest of the team will be flying for New York. The film is scheduled for its screening at Toronto International Film Festival in Canada on 9th of this month. According to Rauniyar, the film can be expected to be released in Nepal by the end of this year.

Here’s a scene from the film.

Photos: Zimbio

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