Any help you could offer would mean a film to us!

We are The Misfits; a highly driven team based in Nepal. We're trying to make a short film which revolves around a culture-Khali.

Personally, my journey began seven years ago when I picked up a camera driven by my deep love for film, embracing every opportunity that came my way, and over time, I realized filmmaking was more than a passion—it was a calling. After years of waiting for the right story, a conversation with a childhood friend introduced me to the ritual of Khali Khwaune, a powerful form of transcendence rooted in my culture, which reveals a journey into the elements, restoring balance and unity—exactly the story I had been waiting to tell.

Culture and Tradition

Khali khane (खली खाने), also known as Bayu Utarnu, is an ancient Shamanic ritual in Nepal that distinguishes between malignant and benevolent spirits. The ritual involves summoning and questioning wandering souls, particularly those who died untimely deaths. Performed by a Dhami (shaman), it aims to liberate these spirits through a fire-walking ceremony, helping them transition from samsara and find peace.

Synopsis

Indra, a nepali man in his thirties, returns after working abroad relentlessly for years but still broke, and back in the village where he owes money to many. Looking for ways out, he is eying to sell his family’s land only to discover it belongs to his younger brother, Bharat. Haunted by the guilt of not performing his father’s final rites, a responsibility he failed to fulfill as the elder son, Indra is consumed by regret. As he performs “Khali” with his unresolved trauma and troubles, Indra believes that this is his only path to liberation.

Director’s statement:

Khali is more than just a cinematic experience. It is an expression of me as a 26-year-old Nepali, offering a perspective that is uniquely ours. This film is a journey into the hearts and minds of my characters, a reflection of my personal experiences and the society I live in, a story that I believe no one else could tell the way I will.

Director's Previous works (Please click on the title for the full video):

1.Bujhau Malai - Sushant Ghimire

2. GhumiPhiri - Sajjan Raj Vaidya

3. Sapani - Yan

More about the Director

Seven years ago, I picked up a camera, not with the intention of becoming a director, but because of my deep, undeniable love for film. I embraced every opportunity that came my way, working on commercials, music videos, and various projects. With each new experience, my enthusiasm grew, and I realized that filmmaking wasn’t just a passion—it was a calling.

Over time, I’ve heard many stories, but none felt like mine to tell. So I waited—for the right story, the right timing, and the right team. As time passed, though, I began to feel a growing sense of urgency. I’ve always feared that those who have been supporting my craft might never get to see what I create, but I didn’t want to rush into just any story.

Then, as it often happens, some stories find you when you least expect them.

A conversation with a childhood friend introduced me to the ritual of Khali Khwaune. Its depth and history captivated me, and in that moment, I knew this was the story I had been waiting for. The concept brought me back to my roots, reminding me that my culture has always been inseparable from my work. My research led me to the people who carry out these rituals, and I came to understand that Khali is not just lore—it is a powerful form of transcendence. It represents a journey into the realm of the elements, an act designed to restore balance and create unity.

This film brings a personalized element to this communal ritual. The characters are inspired by the people I grew up with and the struggles that shaped them. It weaves together a narrative influenced by the community where my father was raised, with dialogues that echo its culture and traditions. In many ways, this film is a tribute to my father, for his continuous support, even when our relationship has been complicated.

It encapsulates everything I have learned so far, representing my journey and the lessons I’ve gathered along the way. Through this film, I hope to share my culture, my story, and the my experiences growing up in Nepal.

Why support us?

What does it take for a 26-year-old to make a film in Nepal?

Is it consistency, passion, commitment, drive, and a story that my team believes in?

We have all of that.

What we are missing is financial support.

Any help you can offer would mean The Film to us.

For those in Nepal who are willing to help

Thank you for your support! Below are my bank details. Your help will be greatly appreciated!

For more details, please visit our website.