Carrying the Burden, the BBC documentary by Sangita Manandhar, was selected for the Banff film festival after lobbying by Ken Stober (Development Director HEC). Ben Ayers and Ken went to the "premiere" at Banff where the documentary had a big impact and was chosen for the world tour.
Henry Barber of Wyoming Wear also announced they would match socks for every pair of socks sold. At least 160 pairs of socks and around $400 materialized.
There is no doubt that the film being shown has really raised the level of awareness in the USA and this is a good time to capitalize on it and continue the process.
The program for the tour is on the web site: www.banffcentre.ca/cmc/film_tourall.html.
(Note from the Editor: For those of you who don't know, Carrying the Burden was made by BBC2 as a result of a Sunday Times article initiated by IPPG. Prakash Adhikari (IPPG Director Nepal) worked wonders to enable this film to be made, finding Kul Bahadur and the other porters featured. Ben Ayers features in the film and is now becoming famous! Well done everyone)
Videos for Porters and Trekkers
Serena Rix producer/director has been working on two videos which should be completed this year.
The first one is a safety film for trekkers on dangers in the mountains. This video will make special mention of porter care and safety. The second one is a safety film for porters, in Nepali, on dangers in the mountains and how to look after themselves and each other while working in the trekking industry.
IPPG has provided some funding, and a lot of logistical support to this worthwhile project.
