Gatlang : Happiness, Hardship and Other Stories 2018
Nestled at 7,400 feet above sea level in Nepal's Himalayas, the remote village of Gatlang remains one of the world's best-kept secrets.
Director: Pen-Ek Ratanaruang
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gatlang : Happiness, Hardship and Other Stories (2018) about?
This documentary transports viewers to Gatlang, a secluded Nepalese village shrouded in mist at 7,400 feet. It follows the daily lives of its Tamang residents, weaving together themes of tradition, endurance, and quiet joy amid the Himalayas' rugged beauty.
Who directed Gatlang : Happiness, Hardship and Other Stories?
Pen-Ek Ratanaruang, the celebrated Thai filmmaker known for his visually poetic storytelling, directed this documentary.
Who stars in Gatlang : Happiness, Hardship and Other Stories?
The film features Durga Bahadur Tamang, Sanju Maya Tamang, Mingma Tamang, Sanu Tamang, and Dawa Mendo Tamang as the heart of its narrative.
Is Gatlang : Happiness, Hardship and Other Stories (2018) worth watching?
While unrated on IMDb, this 88-minute documentary offers a rare glimpse into a world few know. Its meditative pace and stunning visuals reward patience, especially for fans of culturally rich and atmospheric films.
How long is Gatlang : Happiness, Hardship and Other Stories?
The film runs for 88 minutes, delivering a concise yet immersive cinematic experience.
About Gatlang: Happiness, Hardship and Other Stories (2018) — A Nepali village's hidden stories of resilience and joy
Nestled at 7,400 feet above sea level in Nepal's Himalayas, the remote village of Gatlang remains one of the world's best-kept secrets. Bathed in an ethereal gray mist and cradled by the edge of the sky, this hidden settlement beckons viewers to explore its untold stories of resilience and joy. In *Gatlang: Happiness, Hardship and Other Stories* (2018), acclaimed Thai director Pen-Ek Ratanaruang crafts a poetic documentary that immerses audiences in the daily lives of its Tamang community. Through intimate portraits, the film captures the raw beauty of a place where tradition meets survival, and where every moment feels both fleeting and eternal.
The documentary unfolds like a visual poem, blending quiet reflection with the rugged majesty of its setting. As the camera lingers on the faces of locals—Durga Bahadur Tamang, Sanju Maya Tamang, and others—it reveals a world where happiness and hardship coexist in delicate balance. Ratanaruang's lens transforms Gatlang from a geographic footnote into a living, breathing character, its misty landscapes mirroring the emotional depth of its people. A slow-burn yet deeply moving experience, this film is a tribute to the unheralded stories of places we rarely stop to notice.