In an email interview with Republica, director and writer of Highway to Dhampus, Rick McFarland says, "The film deals with important universal themes. It's about learning to live well, to love, to be kind, to give, and to change. I would hope that these would resonate with everyone on some level."Excerpts
Tell us about your experience of shooting in Nepal. How did you come up with the idea of basing your film here?
I wanted to tell a story that represented aspects of my life, but rather than just make a story about Rick McFarland, I wanted to have each character draw metaphorically from my "well" of experiences. I had, for example, gotten my pilot's license at a young age, and had a hard time (like the character Ajit) not having my identity wrapped up in being a pilot. I flew among the Rocky Mountains, but did not want to set my film there. I wanted to find a place that was somewhat analogous, but also more romanticized. I had envisioned maybe India, but found as I made a research trip to Nepal in 2010 that not only did Nepal provide a perfect setting, but there was something about the people and the places that drew me in—I developed a deep connection with Nepal, and after returning from the research trip, decided I needed to include Nepal as a character, not just a location. I think that my love for Nepal comes through in the film.
Was the coordination between the international crew and local artistes difficult?
It was a very difficult process to film Highway to Dhampus—but also one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. The Nepali crews and actors were fantastic, and our US crew members really felt unified with them as a team. In some ways it felt a little like karma the way we found our actors.
The film has already done well in film festivals worldwide. What are your expectations from the Nepali audience?
We've been lucky to have had a very warm reception from our audiences. We're honored to have received various awards and accolades. I have felt much validated, personally, by the kind words from Nepalis who have attended the various festivals and screenings of the film. At first I was a little worried, because this type of storytelling is not typical in Nepali films. I also wondered if the melancholy, de-saturated look that I utilized would resonate with the Nepali audience—audience who are so used to seeing their impossibly beautiful country shown in bright, saturated, aspirational tones. I hope that Nepal sees this film for what it was intended—an emotional telling of universal themes set in, and represented by, a country and a people that I love.
What is the most cherished memory from your shooting in Nepal?
I'm not sure if there's a single memory that stands above another. Each day was filled with incredible experiences—it ran the emotional gamut. However, there was something extremely sacred about the day of filming at Pashupatinath. What an incredible experience!
What are your further plans? Would you come to Nepal again for filming?
We're working on packaging our next feature film. Until then, we will continue to create commercials and documentaries. Not sure when filmmaking will have us back in Nepal, but I'll be returning to visit over and over for the rest of my life.
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