Our upcoming film, Untouchable, is a modern day story of a low caste family struggling to survive and redefine their cultural identity in the isolated Himalayan village of Samagaun. Immersed in Tibetan culture and deeply rooted in Buddhist beliefs, they have been pushed to the outskirts of their community where they live in a captivatingly raw and unforgiving environment. Their story as poor Dalits (persons of the lowest caste) is eloquently told through the curious mind of a young protagonist, Nyima.

The viewer will go on a cinematic journey through this ancient village examining the daily responsibilities and traditions of this timeless community. Untouchable offers breathtaking scenery with a cultural lens for understanding the greater social problems of the caste system in Nepal, while providing hope for a better future for Dalit families everywhere.

As a group of adventurous filmmakers, we hope to continue our exploration of Nepal’s social struggles as a result of the traditional caste system. By studying the different ethnic communities affected by this systematic oppression, we start to see a highly stratified and limited social paradigm which fails to treat all human life as equal. From the pristine mountains of the Himalayas to the busy street life of Kathmandu, the institutionalized discrimination is an obvious part of the country’s rigid social hierarchy.

While every Dalit person is born with limited choice or chance toward radical self improvement, there are some developing communities breaking free from the confines of their social oppression. Because of a younger generation working toward greater equality, change is growing on the cultural horizon. The implications of these progressive communities become the catalyst for a new Nepal moving toward a brighter future.

We met Nyima and her family during our extended earthquake relief efforts and were really floored by the story of her family. After flying her dying father, Pemba, to Kathmandu on an emergency helicopter in July, we started a powerful relationship with their family that has grown into this project. Returning to shoot with Nyima and her 5 siblings this past October, we're confident that we have some spectacular material and are ready to finish this 28 minute film. $20,000 is a loose goal, going towards a moderate post production and music budget, winter clothes and supplies for Nyima's family and to begin raising funds for our larger project: telling the story of the low caste people of Nepal. We anticipate this to be a 14 month process, with an additional 8 months of filming in country as well as post production time.

Please note that 50% of all film revenue of Untouchable will go towards a scholarship fund for Nyima and her 5 siblings so that they have the opportunity to attend high school and college.
Director / Camera: Cody Tuttle
CO-Director / Camera: Scott Rogers
Producer: Brian Mosbaugh
Audio / AC: David Porter
Production Manager: Cherise Tuttle

www.untouchablethemovie.com