Film shot in Sikkim wins German awards

 Pahuna director Paakhi A Tyrewala (centre) receives the award in Germany.
courtesy: Purple Pebble Pictures 

RAJEEV RAVIDAS, TT, 10 Oct 2018, Gangtok: Nepali film Pahuna ( The Little Visitors) shot extensively in Sikkim has won two awards at a children's film festival in Germany, sending its producer and Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra into raptures.

Most of the characters in the move -- produced by Priyanka's Purple Pebble Pictures -- have been portrayed by Sikkimese actors.

"Congrats team Purple Pebble Pictures for winning the `Best Film (Jury's choice)' and a special mention at the SCHLINGEL International Film Festival," tweeted Chopra, adding "Pahuna… a film I have believed in from the word go! Love the response it is getting worldwide. Can't wait to see what is in store for our film next!" Directed by Paakhi A Tyrewala, the film stars Ishika Gurung, Anmol Limbu and Sujoy Rai and is a story of three children who get separated from their parents while fleeing to Sikkim to escape Maoist insurgency in their Nepal village. The film has subtitles in English Priyanka also had words of praise for her director. "Always Paakhi A. Tyrewala. I truly believe in the power of talent and hard work. And you are exactly that. `Pahuna-The Little Visitors' is an amazing film and I'm so proud of it and you. Congratulations to everyone who worked on it Purple Pebble Pictures and the cast and crew!" she said in response to Tyrewala's earlier tweet thanking her.

"Its true. Only person who repeatedly told me that I made a good film whenever I doubted it. She always had faith in `Pahuna-The Little Visitors'. Thanks Priyanka Chopra," Tyrewala tweeted on Monday.

Pahuna had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2017, but is yet to be released in theatres.

"Pahuna will always be a very special film for all of us at Purple Pebble Pictures," Madhu Chopra, managing director of Purple Pebble Pictures and Priyanka Chopra's mother, said in a press release.