30 March, 2009
ContentFilm is delighted to announce that it has been appointed international sales agent for LIVING GODDESS
From the producers of David LaChapelle’s “Rize“ and with a remarkable soundtrack by Nitin Sawhney, LIVING GODDESS offers a rich and gorgeously photographed view of the Himalayan kingdom of Nepal where, according to Hindu/ Buddhist tradition, three young girls are worshipped as living goddesses. The youngest, Sajani, is just 10, having been chosen by the high priest for being “blessed with the 32 perfections”. When Sajani is not been feted by worshippers or surrounded by buffalo heads, she’s just like any other child, playing with friends and having tea parties.
The film begins as a sublime elegy to a private world of ritual, devotion and childish mischief but the extraordinary lives of these young girls are about to collide irreversibly with the modern world. The story turns epic as an ancient prophecy unfolds. An out-of-touch King who survived the notorious palace massacre of 2001 wrests power for himself, as a Maoist led civil war rages. Defying the King, ordinary people take to the streets demanding freedom only to be confronted by the might of the royal army. Caught in a whirlwind struggle for power, the story unfolds through the eyes of the child gods, the kumaris – a worldview shaped by omens and portents. The violence of the street slowly imposes on the historic way of life, as the filmmakers are allowed unprecedented access to the private rituals and daily life of this ancient tradition.
Toby Melling, Head of TV and DVD Sales for ContentFilm International commented: “We are delighted to be handling this unique film which offers an insight into the Kingdom of Nepal rarely seen by Western travelers and shows us all too plainly tradition clashing violently with the modern world. ”
DarkFibre said “The film maker’s were given unprecedented access to the secret world of the Kumaris. No one had been given this kind of access before. We are delighted ContentFilm are representing Living Goddess”.
“Magical…Fascinating stuff” The Mail on Sunday, Uncredited, 13 April 08
“Beautifully encapsulates the way a little girl embodies both the past and the future of her land.” The Sunday Times Culture, Victoria Segal, 13 April 08
“Lushly shot film” The Observer, Uncredited, 13 April 08
“Elegantly filmed and bewitchingly scored by Nitin Sawhney…absorbing” Daily Mail, Uncredited, 12 April 08
“Striking documentary” Gerald Gilbert, The Independent, 12 April 08
“Ishbel Whitaker’s beautiful, languid film” The Guardian Guide, Uncredited, 12 April 08
