Selected Film
Himalayas: Traditions in Balance explores the extraordinary resilience of the Palsi transhumance community in the Himalayan highlands. Created by a researcher who not only studies this fading way of life but also belongs to the same community. For generations, the Palsi have followed the rhythm of the seasons, guiding their livestock to alpine meadows and living in harmony with nature’s cycles. However, their time-honored traditions are now under threat from the growing impacts of climate change. Through stunning visuals and intimate interviews, the documentary delves into the shifting landscapes of the Himalayas, where rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, and glacial melt are reshaping meadows and forests. It captures the Palsi’s observations of their changing world—the decline of agricultural crops, the loss of grazing lands, and the emergence of livestock diseases resistant to traditional and modern medicine. The film also highlights the emotional weight of this transformation, from families displaced by landslides and floods to the younger generation leaving behind these challenging practices for more stable livelihoods. Infused with the soulful songs and rituals of the Palsi people, Traditions in the Balance is a poignant reflection on the fragility of cultural heritage and the urgent need to address the environmental crises threatening communities like theirs. This is a story of survival, loss, and the enduring hope of a people deeply connected to their land.
Duration: 00:20:38
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English
Director(s): Himani Nautiyal, Rui Diogo
Writer(s): Himani Nautiyal
Producer(s): Himani Nautiyal
Key Cast:
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