Nepali filmmaker Shyam Karki of Samson Film Productions produced Building Change, the Team Dayā Story, showcasing the group’s school building work. The Kathmandu based filmmaker spent a week with the group in March, seeing two of the group’s school projects and shooting over 15 hours of footage.
Karki sat with Team Dayā for this question and answer interview.
WATCH THE FILM HERE: The full film is viewable at no cost on the Team Dayā website.
Your Name: Shyam Karki (Samson)
Your Position:
Karki: I am a documentary filmmaker. Samson Film Production specializes in documentary production, archival digitization, and also offers internships to help aspiring filmmakers.
Where do you live now, and where did you grow up?
Karki: I live in Kathmandu. I was raised in the town of Banepa, nestled in the Kavre district.
How long have you been a filmmaker, and what inspired you to become a filmmaker?
Karki: I’ve been a filmmaker since 2000. My passion for storytelling began early through my involvement in drama, where I both acted and wrote plays. This experience nurtured my deep connection to narrative, and I’ve always been driven by an intuitive understanding of how to bring stories to life on screen.
How did you become involved with Team Dayā?
Karki: I became involved with Team Dayā through my friend Todd, a professional photographer. He introduced me to his wife, Ruth, who then introduced me to Security Pal. It was through my connection with Security Pal that I eventually became involved with Team Dayā.
What was compelling about the Team Dayā story?
Karki: What was compelling about Team Dayā’s story was their hands-on approach. Rather than just providing financial support, they were personally involved in the process, working directly with the community. That level of commitment and collaboration stood out to me as something unique.
The film, Building Change, The Team Dayā Story, has a run time of just over eight minutes. How many hours of footage did you shoot to create those eight minutes?
Karki: We shot 15 hours of footage to create the 8-minute run time for the film. The video was filmed in the community of Haridahani, located in the Kailali district of Western Terai, Nepal. It was an incredible experience capturing the essence of the community and their way of life.
Who should watch this film and what will they learn?
Karki: Anyone can watch this film, and they will learn about the incredible impact of social work and how anyone can contribute to meaningful change. The film highlights different ways to engage in social work and shows how even small efforts can make a big difference in communities.
What surprised you and what did you learn from this project?
Karki: What surprised me most about this project was how deeply the team got involved, not just by investing but by living with the families and truly integrating with the community. I learned so much about the community’s culture, their kindness, and the unique sense of happiness they have despite having so little. It was a powerful reminder that privilege doesn’t always equate to happiness.
If this film project were to be expanded in the future, what else would you want to explain about poverty and illiteracy in the developing world, and the role of education?
Karki: If this film project were to be expanded, I would want to delve deeper into the root causes of poverty and illiteracy in the developing world, exploring how systemic barriers keep communities in cycles of deprivation. I’d also highlight the transformative power of education, not just as a tool for individual success but as a pathway for breaking generational poverty.
Tell us about you:
How would your friends and family describe you in one word?
Karki: ‘’Humble Auteur’’
What are some of the other films you have produced, and where can people view them?
Karki: In My Town (2016); U Aayo Aayo: The Experience (2015); Kehi Chhaina: There is Nothing (2019); Blockade (2016), Audience award at KIMFF; Travel Is Plus Plus (2018); Dadelo: Wildfire (2022), Shattering Barriers (2024)
My films can be viewed at various film festivals, on the festivals’ online portals, on YouTube, and in university departments.
What are some of the other film projects you have in development now?
Karki: Unholy Love, Bee (Working title), Pandemic-2020, Bhote-Khampas (Working Title)
What is the kindest thing someone has ever done for you?
Karki: The kindest thing someone has ever done for me was when legendary filmmaker Kesang Tseten taught me about films. He not only shared his knowledge of filmmaking and its nuances but also showed me the importance of generosity and how to view life with a deeper perspective.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why, and who would you take with you?
Karki: If I could travel anywhere, I would take my family to the mountains. I’m drawn to places where the mountains dominate the landscape, as I’m eager to learn more about mountain cultures and the communities that thrive there.
Who is your favorite musical artist?
Karki: My favorite musical artist is Nepathya, a popular Nepali band, and particularly its lead singer, Amrit Gurung. His music beautifully blends traditional Nepali folk sounds with contemporary elements, creating songs that resonate with people from all walks of life. Amrit Gurung’s lyrics often reflect Nepal’s landscapes, cultures, and the struggles of its people, which makes his music deeply meaningful to me. He is also known for his humanitarian work and his efforts to preserve Nepali culture through music.
[Listen here.]
Where do you live in Kathmandu, and what makes your neighborhood special?
Karki: I live in Dhalkhu 17, Kathmandu, and what makes my neighborhood truly special is a person named Nasir Khan. His unwavering dedication to caring for the welfare of street dogs in our community is inspiring, and it’s a beautiful example of compassion in action.
For readers who have never been to Nepal, what should they know about your country?
Karki: For readers who have never been to Nepal, they should know that it’s a country of immense natural beauty, with the Himalayas as its crown jewel. Nepal is home to a rich cultural heritage, with diverse ethnic groups and traditions that coexist peacefully. It’s also a place where spirituality is woven into everyday life, from ancient temples to mountain monasteries. Despite its challenges, Nepalese people are known for their warmth, resilience, and hospitality, making every visitor feel welcome.
Thanks Shyam!
Learn more:
Samson Film Production website.