Mr.Phurwa Tsering Gurung,is a self-taught documentary filmmaker and youth advocate. With no formal training, he has honed his skills in photography, videography, and editing since grade 8 at Crystal Mountain Secondary School. Through his documentary “Inside My Forgotten Hometown,” Phurwa showcases the cultural heritage and traditional lifestyles of Dolpo, aiming to preserve and share his community’s identity. Affiliated with Action Dolpo and Vision Dolpo, he inspires through storytelling and creativity.
His primary project is his documentary “Inside My Forgotten Hometown,” started in 2023, which captures the traditions, struggles, and beauty of Dolpo’s nomadic lifestyle. Despite challenges like his SEE exams and an appendicitis surgery, he completed filming in Kathmandu. Additionally, in August 2024, he assisted American filmmaker Nicholas Eager with Himalayan Master Adventure, documenting the 67th Shelri Dugdra Festival in Upper Dolpo, celebrated every 12 years. At school, he produced over 40 weekly update videos, enhancing his filmmaking skills and promoting his school’s activities.
Impact Created
His documentary work highlights the importance of preserving Dolpo’s cultural and traditional lifestyles, raising awareness about the region’s unique heritage and environmental challenges. His film inspires audiences to value sustainable, nature-based living and community interdependence, influencing perceptions on cultural preservation. Through his school videos, he engaged local and online audiences, fostering pride in Dolpo’s identity. His contributions to the Shelri Dugdra Festival documentation amplified a rare cultural event, reaching global viewers and encouraging youth to embrace creative storytelling for social impact.
