Bimal Tamang, an Indigenous journalism student from Kathmandu, was recognized as the first-place winner of the Namuncurá Indigenous Short Film Festival 2024 for his film “Holy Journey of Nature, Culture, and the Divine Power.”
The festival, organized by the Don Bosco Kep Media Communication Center of Cambodia and supported by the Network of Ministries Among Indigenous Peoples in Asia (NMAIPA), celebrated the creativity and cultural narratives of Indigenous Peoples across Asia.
“Winning first place at the Namuncurá Indigenous Short Film Festival 2024 is a tremendous honor and a significant milestone in my career as a filmmaker,” Tamang said to LiCAS News. “This recognition reaffirms the importance of the stories we seek to tell, reinforcing our dedication to creating work that inspires, challenges perspectives, and sparks meaningful dialogue.”
The award was presented by Archbishop Simon Poh of Kuching, Malaysia, during the Asian Forum “Celebrating Synodality and Indigenous Living Traditions in the Church in Asia” held from Nov. 10 to 16 at the Caritas Nepal in Dhulikhel.
Archbishop Poh, an advocate for the inculturation of the Gospel among Indigenous communities, praised Tamang’s film for its portrayal of the harmony between Indigenous Peoples and Nepal’s natural landscapes.
Mother Christine Mynsong, Superior General of the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians of Hatigaon, Guwahati, India, attended the ceremony as a representative of the Asian Salesian Family.
Her work with Indigenous communities and the Salesian Preventive System highlighted the broader support for Indigenous narratives within the Church.
Fr. Albeiro Rodas, director of the Namuncurá Indigenous Short Film Festival, highlighted the inspiration behind the event’s dedication to Blessed Ceferino Namuncurá, an Indigenous Mapuche youth from Argentina:
“Ceferino was an Indigenous Mapuche from Argentina, a student of the Salesians at the beginning of the 20th century, who died in Italy very young, leaving a fame of holiness and compromise for his own people. He said: ‘I want to help my people,’ and he became an icon of holiness for the Indigenous Peoples, especially the young. I hope that the Catholic Church can recognize in the decades to come more Indigenous Peoples in their holiness, resilience, wisdom, and martyrdom.”
Two films from Timor Leste also received recognition during the event. Fr. Jolino Viera, Salesian delegate of communications for his province, accepted the awards on behalf of the filmmakers.
Estela M. Eka’s “The Cultural and Religious Values of Tais Timor” secured second place, while Ilídio N. da Costa Bosco’s “Revival of Ancient’s Wisdom” placed third.
The festival featured entries from Cambodia, India, Malaysia, and other Asian nations, reflecting the rich cultural and spiritual traditions of Indigenous Peoples in the region.
According to this year’s winner, Bimal Tamang, the festival serves as a reminder of the profound impact storytelling can have in building understanding and connections across cultures.
“I firmly believe that festivals like Namuncurá are vital, as they provide an essential platform for storytellers, Indigenous youth, and filmmakers to amplify their voices.”
