Stunning documentary on Nepal shows restoration of the country's sites

written by Lottie Gross

updated 20.11.2018

"The only thing you could focus on was the fact that the earth was moving from side to side by about eight to ten metres." These are the words of Kathmandu resident Amritman Buddhachari as he describes the huge earthquake that struck Nepal in 2015, destroying many of the important historical Buddhist sites throughout the country.

One of the worst affected sites was the Swayambhunath Temple in the capital Kathmandu, where the earth has actually risen 85cm, and parts city now sit three metres further south than before.

In this short documentary by Britain’s Goodwill Ambassador to Nepal, Doc Mckerr, and filmmaker Oliver Wilkins, Nepalese artisans explain how the destructions is reviving ancient skills.

"When the heritage falls, the artists rise," explains one artisan in the film. "Today tourists can see craftsmen using techniques that they have been using for hundreds of years."

You can learn more about the Return To Nepal project here.

Top image © Bucha Natallia/Shutterstock

Lottie Gross

written by Lottie Gross

updated 20.11.2018

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