The Big Picture Theater and Cafe
Waitsfield, VT
Sat. Oct. 15th, 2022 at 7pm
The Big Picture Theater and Cafe in Waitsfield, VT will host a special screening (with filmmakers in attendance) of the feature documentary Baato | बाटो ahead of the film's streaming release. Filmed in eastern Nepal by NY filmmakers Kate Stryker and Lucas Millard (seasonal residents in Granville), and sound-mixed in VT by Roger Stauss (Granville, VT) at Sugarhouse Soundworks, "[t]he documentary film BAATO (n. [Nepali] 1. path, trail; 2. way; 3. road) is a beautifully crafted, clear-eyed chronicle of the construction of a trans-national highway in Nepal, and of the many different dimensions that come into play with an infrastructural project of this scale, both macro … and micro …" (excerpt, Anthology Film Archives program notes). The film showcases Mikma and her family's winter migration by foot from their village high in the Himalaya to sell local medicinal plants in lowland urban markets. Though still only partially complete, the new highway will transform this roadless Himalayan valley permanently and open up a direct transport route between Nepal and China - indeed it will connect directly to China's existing Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) infrastructure - bringing new challenges, new opportunities, and ultimately a new way of being to those who live along its path. This documentary film is a "deep dive into [a way of life that is in the midst of] a slow and chaotic, yet inexorable transition" (excerpt, MountainFilm program notes).
Filmmakers Kate Stryker and Lucas Millard will be in person for the screening. A small informal filmmaker reception will precede the film in the connected bar/restaurant at The Big Picture from 6:30pm and there will be a Q&A to follow.
Film showtime is 7pm on Saturday October 15.