“The Only Son”

“The Only Son” is a documentary that follows Pema, a young man, as he returns with his sisters to his family’s land in Dolpo—one of the most remote regions of Nepal.  Torn between his duties to his family and his desire to live a modern life, the documentary examines the universal difficulties of leaving one’s home.  For anyone that has immigrated, attended school in a faraway land, or moved to another city in search of a better life, this documentary will resonate with you.  And for anyone that has let someone go so that they could search for a better life, that beautiful pain will be felt too.  Some in the film embody arguments for a provincial and traditional life, while others represent the benefits of an exploratory and modern one.  The price paid for a new life is a steep one, but for some it is worth it.  The film also gives a great window into life in Nepal and will make you question how much you really need in life to be happy.  Available to watch for free on YouTube, this is a film I can’t stop thinking about.