There is no doubt that the 10 year Maoist insurgency took a very heavy toll on Nepali society. Atrocities from both sides has left many open wounds. The fact that there has not been any attempt to bring those responsible to justice for their actions makes it even worse. Even without accountability, we should at least hope for some kind of reconciliation effort (such as in South Africa), but even this has been lacking.

The situation is exacerbated by the fact that victims are afraid to speak about what they have experienced and the suffering they have lived through. With the current instability in the country and the lack of a strong central government, there is no assurance that even those that come out in an effort to bring healing will be accepted. Despite all these obstacles, efforts are being made to hear the voices of the victims. One such effort is the movie “Beneath Everest”. Their website has a small preview. Also, here is a brief description of what this movie hopes to accomplish:

From deep in the Himalaya Mountains where Maoist soldiers greet the morning sun as they warm up, to the cities where a powerful movement for change explodes on the streets, the people of Nepal have experienced moments they never thought possible.

Filmed over four years during the height of the insurgency and the historic transition of Nepal from a 240-year old monarchy to a Republic nation, ‘Beneath Everest’ is a journey that exposes the grass root realities of Nepal’s ten-year war.

The film critically questions the use and continuation of ‘violence’ and challenges its justifications.

Directed by a native Nepali, the film encourages Nepalis silenced by the fear to tell their stories, and challenges them to reflect on their fears, triumphs and hopes as Nepal begins the long journey towards peace.

I have not watched the movie myself, but am looking to arrange a viewing in Phoenix, Arizona. Maybe you can arrange arrange such viewings in your city. Getting together to watch the movie is a great start. However, a spirited discussion on the role everyone can play in helping the victims of the civil war and bringing justice to the situation, would go even further.

Update (Feb 3, 2010): If you are in the Phoenix area and are interested in watching this movie, please leave a comment. Leave your name and email address. Also indicate how many will be attending. I will contact you once I have a final date and time.