Dhartiputra, a short documentary created by 15-year-old director Aditya Khadka, is slated to be screened at two different international film festivals in the United States. The documentary chronicles the miraculous story of a four-month old baby, Sonis Awal, who was rescued after being buried under his house for 22 hours. The movie zooms in on the emotions of Rasmeela (Sonis’s mother) during the hours her son was trapped and following his rescue.

The documentary will first be screened in Stowe, Vermont at the Socut Film Festival on June 18. Khadka’s Dhartiputra was one of the 480 films submitted to the festival from over 50 countries. The film is also nominated for the Best Documentary Award at the festival.

The film, as part of the For Youth By Youth category, will also be screened in New York City at the 39th Asian American International Film Festival (AAIFF) 2016. The festival spans from 21 July to 30 July.

Dhartiputra has previously won third prize in the Seismic Shift Category at the Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival (KIMFF) 2015.

“It is a matter of pride and honor for me to present my film in international film festivals. Also, I am proud to represent Nepal at international platforms,” Khadka told the Post.

At the tender age of 15, Aditya Khadka already has three movies to his name. He created his first documentary, A Dream To Be, at the age of 13. One year later, he made Dusk to Dawn. Now, with the international recognition of Dhartiputra, Khadka aspires to continue his involvement in cinematography with “newfound confidence and vigour.”