© TIFF
“A Road to a Village,” directed by Nepalese filmmaker Nabin Subba in his return after six years, offers a multi-layered narrative set against the backdrop of Eastern Nepal’s stunning mountainous landscapes. The narrative centers on Maila, a humble basket weaver, his wife Maile, and their seven-year-old son Bindray. Living a simple, traditional life, the family finds itself at a crossroads when a newly constructed road brings the wider world, along with all its modern resources, to their remote village.
Original Title: गाउ आएको बाटो
Directed by: Nabin Subba
Year: 2023
Country: Nepal
Length: 108 minutes
At first, the community welcomes the arrival of the road as a positive development. With it come exciting modern conveniences like electricity, soda, and television, which initially appear to enhance their lives. Unfortunately, the situation soon becomes more complicated than initially anticipated. The film depicts how these supposed blessings were ultimately used as a means of exploitation by those in positions of power. For example, the electricity that was initially promised to benefit the entire village is abruptly cut off from the main characters due to unpaid bills. Despite paying for these new developments and sacrificing parts of their land for the road, the villagers find no assurance that they’ll actually be able to use the new conveniences. Early in the film, this situation exposes a bait-and-switch tactic by the project leader, who had previously promised communal benefits. Distraught, father Maila quickly concludes that all of them are out to ‘oppress a poor man like [him].’
Subba masterfully uses the character of Maila to delve into the often-ignored ethical dimensions of modernization. Maila faces ever-increasing challenges as the road, initially seen as a catalyst for development, also brings in a ruthless capitalist system that devalues his craftsmanship. This becomes painfully clear when Maila can no longer sell or even gift his woven baskets, as the community is burdened by newfound economic struggles. This forces him to travel to the city, working long days away from his community to earn a living.
Complementing this narrative is the (sub)plot surrounding Maila’s young son, Bindray. Resourceful and seemingly quick to adapt, Bindray represents the new generation’s complex relationship with modernization. He learns to manipulate social dynamics through material possessions. In a memorable set of scenes, the viewer witnesses as Bindray obtains a bottle of Coca-Cola, which he later uses to obtain power in the company of his friends. In a comic yet ominous moment, Bindray commands his team of peers to follow his orders to be allowed a sip of his soda. These scenes offer a disturbing reflection of the larger systemic injustices plaguing his community. Additionally, Subba shows how capitalist hierarchies infiltrate various social groups, affecting people of all ages from the moment they are introduced to a community.
One of the key strengths of “A Road to a Village” lies in director Subba’s nuanced approach to the issue. The film does not outright vilify modernity as a concept. The film recognizes the joy and convenience of discovering new things and improving one’s situation brings to many, as seen in Bindray’s situation. Instead, the film explores how modernization, especially when manipulated by those in power for profit, exacerbates existing inequalities and even disrupts family structures.
The cinematography by Josh Herum deserves a special mention for its ability to capture the breathtaking natural beauty of mountainous eastern Nepal, and to turn the scenery into a character of its own. These landscapes serve as a silent, yet potent, counterpoint to the chaos introduced by the new road. They remind the audience of what is at stake: a centuries-old way of life that serves as both a harmonious existence and a refuge from our rapidly changing world.
In conclusion, “A Road to a Village” delivers an emotional and thought-provoking story that addresses the complexities of modernization, especially its impact on marginalized communities. Through its authentic characters, striking landscapes, and moral dilemmas, the film transcends mere entertainment value. It is a crucial call to reflect ethically on societal changes we often overlook. It is a universally relatable social critique that merits a broad audience and demands ongoing dialogue.
“A Road to a Village” screened at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival as part of its Centrepiece lineup.
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