My Mum is a Bodybuilder
Director: Prashanna Shakya
Country: Nepal
Language: Nepali
Year: 2026
Run Time: 35 mins
Traditional Newa Homemaker Turns Body Builder
Set in tradition-bound Bhaktapur, within a Newa household in Nepal, the film follows a 41-year-old mother pursuing bodybuilding while challenging societal expectations. Told through the perspective of her two young sons who also serve as the film's co-authors and cinematographers - it begins with their confusion and quiet embarrassment over her unconventional dream. As they document her journey, they gradually come to see her not just as their mother, but as a woman with her own dreams, struggles, and identity.
Director’s Bio:
Prashanna Shakya is an advertising and design graduate with a Master's degree in Advertising Design and Communication from the University of Leeds, UK. He has worked extensively in the commercial advertising industry while contributing to a wide range of projects across Nepal's development sector. Inspired by the raw honesty of documentary film making, Prashanna embraces an intuitive and observational approach to filmmaking. Rather than forcing stories into predetermined structures, he allows them to unfold naturally, trusting the rhythm of real life and the authenticity of the people at its heart.
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Jism (Body)
Filmmakers: Husain Qaizar & Saad Zuberi
Country: Pakistan
Language: Urdu
Year: 2025
Run Time: 13 mins
Body Builders, Male Models, Push Boundaries of Acceptability in Pakistan
In this immersive slice-of-life film, viewers are taken on an unexpected journey into the world of struggling bodybuilders and male models in Pakistan and their audacious collaborations with a local photographer. Defying cultural expectations, these men push the boundaries of acceptability, flaunting their sculpted bodies in daring, provocative ways in the hope of achieving fame and fortune. Their bold self- expression teethers on the edge of taboo, igniting both admiration and controversy in a society grappling with shifting ideals of masculinity and desire.
Director’s Bio:
Husain Qaizar is an Emmy-nominated documentary editor and director. With a passion for shedding light on untold stories that shape the world, he has dedicated his career to crafting emotionally resonant documentaries that bridge cultures, inspire empathy, and provoke meaningful discourse. He has contributed to over 100 projects, including films that have won an Oscar and received Emmy nominations. His work has been showcased on HBO, Channel 4, Netflix, VICE, Al Jazeera, YouTube Originals, Refinery29, TED and The Atlantic.
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