How a Blind Woman in Nepal Turned Rejection into Resilience, Founding Gratitude Nepal

This is the fourth in a new series of films from disabled Nepali activists who recently completed a DJP filmmaking workshop in Kathmandu.

Shilpa Dhungel worked with nonprofit organizations in Nepal as an intern, proving herself as a capable and dedicated worker. Yet again and again, her blindness was considered a limitation. No matter what she accomplished, she faced barriers shaped by what others believed she could not do. Through counseling and psychosocial training, she began to see her own strength differently. She realized that even if no one else believed in her, she could move forward as long as she believed in herself. Today, she is turning that resilience into action by starting Gratitude Nepal, an organization grounded in a simple belief: we must feel thankful for life.

Featuring: Shilpa Dhungel, Jayanti Damai
Writer/ Director: Shilpa Dhungel
Cinematography: Nirajan Singh
Edit/ Post Production: Ashma Gautam
Mentors: Rajan Kathet, Sikuma Rai
Production Co-ordinators: Srijana Tabebung, Sushant Shrestha
Production Company: Salpa Films

Access this film with audio descriptions. (Audio captions and editing by Sarah Mesdjian)