Numafung

Movie Details:

Cast & Characters:

• Alok Nembang as Ojahang
• Anupama Subba as Numa
• Niwahangma Limbu as Lojina
• Prem Subba as Girihang
• Rammaya Tumrock as Fungloti
• Ramesh Singhak as Rikute

Storyline:

The film highlights the changing lives and ways of the Limbu people, an ethnic minority residing in rural eastern Nepal. It is a story of a young Limbu girl’s struggle with cultural traditions, the impact of local medical practices on her life, and the effect of her actions on her community. The struggles of Numa, the young girl, represent the lives of many other young Nepali women, torn between fulfilling her desires and cultural traditions.

About Movie:

Numafung (Nepali: नुमाफुङ) is a Nepali film directed by Nabin Subba, which highlights the culture and traditions of the Limbu community. The title “Numafung” translates to “beautiful flower” in the Limbu language. The film features an ensemble cast including Anupama Subba, Niwahangma Limbu, Prem Subba, Alok Nembang, and Ramesh Singhak.

Numafung was well-received for its authentic portrayal of Limbu culture and social issues. It was screened at the Thirteenth Finnish Indigenous Film Festival and garnered attention for its storytelling and cinematography. The film won two international awards: the Best Runner-Up Movie Award at the International Film Festival in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and the Audience Choice Award at the Bijul International Film Festival in France.

Themes

1. Cultural Traditions: The film delves into the customs of the Limbu community, exploring how these traditions affect individual lives.
2. Women’s Struggles: It highlights the challenges faced by women in a patriarchal society while also portraying their strength and solidarity.
3. Family Dynamics: The relationships between family members are central to the narrative, showcasing both support and conflict.

Numafung is considered significant in Nepali cinema for its cultural representation and social commentary. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by women in traditional societies while celebrating their resilience and capacity for change.