human rights in nepal

documentary feature & short

In 2008, Regenerate Films traveled to Nepal at a pivotal moment in the country's history—its first democratic elections after the abolition of a long-running monarchy. We went to bear witness and to support the production of I Will Find You, a documentary about forced disappearances. What came back with us was more than footage. It was a deepened understanding of what it means to give voice to disappeared people.

I Will Find You

I Will Find You was brought to Regenerate Films by director Daniela Ponce, a human rights activist whose work centered on the forced disappearances that had devastated communities across Nepal during its decade-long civil conflict. The film set out to document these disappearances and the families still searching for answers—giving voice to activists, survivors, and communities navigating profound political transformation at a historic moment.

Regenerate supported Ponce in the production, traveling to Nepal during the country's first democratic elections to capture what was unfolding on the ground. The footage remains a powerful archival record of that moment, and of Daniela's vision and commitment to the people whose stories she fought to tell.

Namaste

Among the team that traveled to Nepal was 17-year-old Sarah Miller, a Westlake High School student working as a production assistant, and a lifelong member of the Regenerate family. While supporting the production of I Will Find You, Sarah made a short documentary film from the production footage, Namaste, which compares her life in Westlake Village with the lives of her peers in Nepal—exploring their differing conceptions of necessity, wealth, and happiness. The film also features clips from Regenerate's interview with Prachanda, the rebel leader who would go on to become Nepal's prime minister.

The Asia Society awarded Namaste the Youth Prize for Excellence in International Education—a $10,000 scholarship presented to U.S. high school students who demonstrate an in-depth understanding of key issues in international affairs. Sarah was one of five students honored nationwide. Namaste went on to win multiple film festival awards.

Festival honors

Scholarship

Prize for Excellence in International Education
Asia Society
Youth by Youth Cinema

Best Film
Calgary International Film Festival
Youth by Youth Cinema

Audience Award
Calgary International Film Festival
Festival Honor

Silver Lei
Honolulu Film Festival
Student Award

Best Film
Peace on Earth Film Festival
Camério Award

Irvin Pelletier Humanitas
Carrousel international du film de Rimouski