Hearst Castle to screen movie to raise money for Nepal
A shot from the film of local Nepalese children.
– Highway to Dhampus, a feature film written and directed by Utah native Rick McFarland, and filmed almost entirely on location in Nepal, was set to make its worldwide theatrical premiere in Nepal in June 2015. However, when the 7.9 magnitude earthquake and the numerous after shocks wreaked havoc in Nepal, all non-essential activities came to a halt.
Despite worldwide attention and funding, Nepal is still in desperate need and will be rebuilding for years to come, this means continued support is needed. On Oct. 17 at 7 p.m., Highway to Dhampus will be shown at the Hearst Castle Theater in San Simeon, where 100-percent of the net ticket sales will go to Nepal through a US-based 501(c)(3), Mind the Gap Worldwide. The nonprofit will have representatives in attendance to take further donations.
“I was devastated at the news of the earthquake,” says McFarland. “Having spent months in Nepal, I saw third-world needs first-hand and fell in love with the culture and the people. Since filming there, I have thought about Nepal every day, and, after the earthquake, I want to do anything I can to help.” Anything, including, lending his film to benefit screenings around the world to help raise money for Nepal, and all without compensation for himself.
A still from the film.
Filmed almost entirely in Nepal, Highway to Dhampus is described as an inspiring story that follows the headmistress of a small orphanage in Nepal who is visited by a rich British socialite attempting to fix her public image through charitable acts. A providential chain of events is set in motion that affects everyone involved, and ultimately, each character discovers their own reasons to change for the better.
The film has successfully navigated the film festival circuit, including The Heartland Film Festival, where it was awarded “Best U.S. Premiere for a Narrative Feature;” the SoHo International Film Festival, winning Best Feature World Showcase; the Madrid International Film Festival, where it won the Festivals’ “Best Feature Film” award and actress “Dhampus” actress, Rachel Hurd-Wood, walked away with the Best Lead Actress trophy. Finally the film was recently awarded Best Cinematography from The International Film Competition held in Jakarta, Indonesia. The film opens in Nepal on Sept. 25 and in McFarland’s home state of Utah on Oct. 9.
McFarland’s wife, Kathy McFarland, who is President of Mind the Gap Worldwide, will be in attendance at the screenings and will take part in a short Q&A following the screening. Tickets are available here.
Comments
