Filmmaker propels Nepali runner onto foreign stage

[Photo provided to China Daily]

It all started with just a camera－and no funding.

From February 2015, the director spent one year traveling across Nepal, China and Australia, and with other footage supplied in Italy, Spain and France, to complete shooting the film on his own.

"Electricity shortage, risky shooting locale, working solo, language difficulties and red tape－I have encountered many challenges during the shooting process," he recalls.

As Belcher shared some behind-the-scenes photos on social media, a growing number of netizens started to follow him and support the film financially.

Through crowdfunding, the director has gained enough money to cover the basic necessities: transportation, accommodation, food and translation service.

Before the film, Rai was unknown and lived in a poor family. Now she has become a celebrity in her country.

"This is more than a documentary to record her life, but also a good opportunity for her to get onto the international stage and have the chance to compete in running."

Locals have been amazed by Rai's instant fame after shooting the short film.

But Belcher believes the power of a film is limited as it can only affect a certain group of people, not the whole society.