No Winter Holidays

Two lifelong rivals Ratima and Kalima have been appointed caretakers of their empty village. Now in the twilight of their lives, they must forget their past and help each other survive a long and harsh winter.  

'Life in Nepal today is defined by poverty, gender roles, remoteness, urban-rural divide, caste, and "untouchability." All these manifest in the lives of Ratima and Kalima. They are considered "low caste," the "untouchables" of society, they have little material wealth, and their identity in society is still tied to their common, but already dead husband.  

'From the outside, it is as if they are doomed to isolation and drudgery. Yet, upon close observation, we find their lives have a quiet, pastoral dignity, and a sense of freedom in contrast to city-dwellers. Their activities and experiences also defy our preconceived ideas about rural women and the relationships they have in life.  

'Ratima and Kalima resemble many of our family members closely. Both of us have family members who refuse to leave village life—which we find tough and unrewarding—and settle with us in the city. Through an intimate portrait of Ratima and Kalima's lives and circumstances, we want to create a wider interest in grassroots cultures and issues in Nepal today.' - Rajan KATHET and Sunir PANDEY