NIMB sponsors screening of ‘Have You seen My God’s?’

KATHMANDU: A private screening of the powerful documentary Have You Seen My Gods?, directed by Amitabh Joshi, will take place on Oct 2nd, 2024, at 8 PM at QFX Chhaya Center.

This special event is designed to gather valuable feedback from both experts and the public before the film’s official release in the United States.

The documentary sheds light on Nepal’s ongoing repatriation initiatives, focusing on the emotional story of the 1984 theft of the Lakshmi-Narayana statue and its return to Patan in 2021.

At the heart of the film is the filmmaker’s personal connection to this history, with his grandmother believing her illness was linked to the stolen statues. Her passing, which coincided with the statue’s return, brings a deeply moving layer of meaning to the narrative.

As a work in progress, the documentary features contributions from respected journalists Kanak Mani Dixit and Alisha Sijapati, alongside artists and activists such as Lain Singh Bangdel, Jurgen Schick, and Joy Davis.

Together, they explore the decades-long effort to reclaim Nepal’s stolen cultural treasures, raising the crucial question of whether these sacred objects should remain in museums or be restored to their rightful places.

Following the screening, the filmmaker Amitabh Joshi will participate in a discussion moderated by Neeva M. Pradhan, a founding member of the Daya Foundation, author, and philanthropist.

The event is generously supported by Daya Foundation, Nepal Investment Mega Bank (NIMB), and the Nepal Art Council.

Produced by Vacant Light, a production company co-founded by Amitabh Joshi and Erik Spink, Have You Seen My Gods? has received recognition from institutions such as the Academy of Motion Pictures, The Ford Foundation, and the Center for Public Broadcast.

We invite you to join us for this significant event that will spark meaningful dialogue on cultural heritage and Nepal’s ongoing efforts to reclaim its stolen history.