An enthralling family drama unfolds in the majestic Himalayas, with a rare and valuable creature, the yarsagumba, as a captivating side character. French-Irish filmmaker Alexander Murphy's feature documentary debut, 'Goodbye Sisters', takes audiences on an emotional journey from the bustling streets of Kathmandu to the towering peaks of the Himalayas. The film centers around Jamuna, a 21-year-old, and her younger sister Anmuna, on what could be their final mountain expedition. Their mission? Harvesting yarsagumba, a precious fungus-insect hybrid, which could be sold for a hefty profit, enabling Jamuna to support her family and fund her studies in Japan. The documentary's world premiere is set for Monday at the 29th edition of the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival's international doc competition. Directed by Murphy and co-written by him and Jean-Baptiste Plard, the film is produced by Cosme Bongrain, with Anup Poudel as the co-producer. Alpha Violet is handling world sales. THR spoke to Murphy about the film's creation, its themes of family and empowerment, the allure of yarsagumba, and the challenges of filming in the Himalayas.
The story began with Murphy's fascination with yarsagumba, a caterpillar fungus known as 'Himalayan viagra'. He describes the scene: 'Hundreds of tents in the mountains, with people collecting this magical mushroom worth more than gold.' This sparked his interest, but he initially hesitated to make a documentary about a mushroom. However, he envisioned a profound story linked to it, leading him to Kathmandu in 2019 and a challenging journey to 5,000 meters. There, he met Jamuna, a bright young girl with a unique background. She spoke English and shared her family's story, including their involvement in a fraudulent school and orphanage.
Jamuna and her sister had left home at a young age, only to be deceived by a business pretending to be a school and orphanage. Despite their struggles, they managed to escape and work in the capital to support their family. Murphy was captivated by their resilience and strength, which inspired him to write a fictionalized script. However, he decided to film their story as it unfolded, leading to a profound adventure. The yarsagumba becomes a central theme, representing a golden opportunity to alleviate financial burdens. Murphy highlights the dangers and risks associated with its collection, as people from the city venture into the mountains, often without proper equipment, leading to tragic consequences.
The film focuses on the human side of the story, emphasizing the girls' struggles and the sacrifices they make. Jamuna's decision to leave for Japan is a pivotal moment, as she expresses her determination to fight for a better future. Murphy emphasizes the importance of authentic storytelling, ensuring Jamuna's voice remains central. The Himalayas themselves become a character, with the harsh and unpredictable environment adding to the film's emotional impact. Filming at high altitudes in cold and wet weather presented challenges, with the director losing seven kilos in five weeks. Despite the physical toll, Murphy felt a deep connection with the family, as evidenced by the sister's emotional words of gratitude.
The film's impact is heightened by its cinematic experience, and Murphy believes it should be viewed in theaters to fully appreciate the altitude and sensory details. Jamuna and her family have not yet seen the documentary, but Murphy aims to bring the proper cinema experience to them. He expresses his desire to showcase the film in their village, emphasizing the importance of representing their incredible story. The director concludes by highlighting the film's unique focus on the family, despite the village's initial skepticism, and his intention to showcase the girls' remarkable journey.
