The cast and crew of Neerphul have returned to Kathmandu after filming at the Ruby Valley, in Dhading, where the upcoming film is set. Due to bad weather conditions, the film’s week-long shooting schedule was extended a little over two weeks.

Directed by journalist Phulman Bal, Neerphul is slated to bring to the screen the socio-political changes Ruby Valley underwent due to the earthquakes of 2015. The film tells the story of a marginalised family and the struggle they undergo as they try to reconcile with their lost child. 

“Even though we had to work under bad weather conditions, the film’s shooting has been successfully completed,” director Bal said. 

“But it was not easy. Ruby valley (which lies at 3800m from the sea level) is notorious for its unpredictable weather conditions, and we had difficult time getting hold of the right time to film.” 

Bal went on, “With the film, we also aim to shed light on the culture and tradition of the Valley. The valley possesses boundless tourism possibilities but lacks proper infrastructure even when the government has already announced it as a ‘Touristic Area’”  Written jointly by Sachin Ghimire and director Bal, Neerphul features actors Dayahang Rai, Shanti Waiba, Rekha Thapa, Pushkar Gurung, Saroj Aryal, Rajan Khatiwada, Sarita Giri, and Buddhi Tamang, among others. 

Neerphul is Bal’s debut feature directorial. Prior to this, he has directed a short film titled Cellphone, about the revolutionary impacts of mobile phone’s advent in a rural Nepali village.