Katha Garibko (The Story of the Poor)
A Nepali short film about poverty, family, and the true meaning of Tihar
A Pratiphal Films Production · Presented by Ahuri Entertainment · A Bishal Lohane Film
Katha Garibko ("The Story of the Poor") is a Nepali short film that portrays the struggles of a poor rural family through the lens of Tihar and Bhai Tika — Nepal's festival of lights and the bond between brothers and sisters. Directed by independent filmmaker Bishal Lohane, the film sets an intimate family story against the real landscapes of rural Parbat.
The Story
Ram is a young man carrying the full weight of his household. With his father absent, he supports his family however he can — carrying goods, taking odd jobs, struggling even to secure two meals a day. His younger sister works in a landlord's home, and as Tihar approaches, she prepares to return so the siblings can celebrate together.
Then an unexpected, tragic turn changes everything.
Through this simple premise, Katha Garibko examines the responsibilities placed on the young, the strength of sibling bonds, and what dignity looks like in the face of hardship.
Tihar, Seen From the Margins
Tihar is one of Nepal's most cherished festivals — a time of lights, family, and blessing. At its center is Bhai Tika, the ritual honoring the bond between brothers and sisters.
Katha Garibko asks what that tradition means for a family with nothing to spare. Where many mark the festival with abundance, Ram's family faces it with scarcity. The film's quiet argument is that Bhai Tika's value was never about money or gifts — it lives in love, sacrifice, and presence.
Shot on Location in Chitre, Parbat
The film was shot primarily in Chitre, a village in Parbat known for its natural beauty and homestay tourism. Rather than build an artificial backdrop, the production used Chitre's real homes, footpaths, and landscapes to ground the story in an authentic rural community.
That choice does more than establish setting — it creates contrast. Chitre's calm, scenic beauty sits against Ram's daily struggle, and that tension runs through the film's visual language from start to finish.
About the Director
Bishal Lohane is an independent Nepali filmmaker who works across writing, direction, cinematography, editing, and acting. His work consistently returns to themes of class, caste, poverty, and the lives of people society tends to overlook. Katha Garibko continues that thread, pairing a socially grounded story with the authenticity of a real rural setting.
Screenings
Local Premiere — Tihar Special Society Hall, Modi Rural Municipality–8, Chitre, Parbat Wednesday, November 10, 2021 (Kartik 24, 2078 B.S.) Shows at 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM
Special Screening First Dhaulagiri Film Festival, 2021
Credits
Story — Chitreli Saila (Mahendra), Laxmi Bishwakarma Director, Camera, Editing, VFX, Color — Bishal Lohane Background Music — Pramod Pariyar Dubbing — Lil Bdr Purja Pun, Pun Digital Recording Studio
Co-Producers — Thamman Singh Purja Pun (Sujal), Ram Prasad Sharma (RC) Executive Producers — Rimati Khorja Pun, Chitreli Sailo (Mahendra)
Cast — Chitreli Sailo, Saru BK, Thaman Singh Purja Pun (Sujal), Rashmi Khatri, Suraj Pariyar, Bharat RD, and others
Katha Garibko, Bishal Lohane, Bishal Lohani, Ahuri Entertainment, Pratiphal Films, Chitre Parbat, Nepali short film, Nepali social drama, Tihar film, Bhai Tika, First Dhaulagiri Film Festival 2021.
