Documenting Resilience: ‘Goodbye Sisters’ Explores Family Ties in the Himalayas
French-Irish filmmaker Alexander Murphy makes his feature documentary debut with *Goodbye Sisters*, which premieres on November 20, 2023, at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival. The film follows the journey of two sisters, Jamuna, 21, and her younger sister Anmuna, as they embark on what might be their last trip to the Himalayas to harvest yarsagumba, a rare fungus that holds immense value in the market.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Nepal, the documentary captures the sisters’ mission to gather this precious resource, often referred to as “Himalayan viagra” due to its high demand and lucrative price. By selling the yarsagumba, Jamuna hopes to generate enough income to support her family and fund her planned studies in Japan. The film promises an emotional voyage, described by the festival as “both heart-wrenching and uplifting.”
Murphy’s fascination with yarsagumba began when he observed the multitude of people collecting this valuable fungus in the mountains. “There are hundreds of tents up in the mountains, with people collecting this magic mushroom worth more than gold,” he shared. Initially hesitant about creating a documentary centered on a fungus, he sought to find a compelling human story connected to it.
In 2019, Murphy traveled to Kathmandu and then ventured to altitudes of up to 5,000 meters. During his journey, he met Jamuna, who stood out with her bright personality and ability to speak English. He spent several days with her family, learning about their struggles and the significance of yarsagumba in their lives.
Jamuna and Anmuna’s past is marked by hardship; they left home at a young age for a supposed school that turned out to be a front for exploitation. With the help of a compassionate sponsor, the sisters escaped and have since been working in the capital to support their family. Murphy found their resilience inspiring, prompting him to reimagine their story for the screen.
The filmmaker began writing a fictionalized script based on their experiences but ultimately decided that the film should be a collaborative effort with Jamuna. In 2023, when Jamuna expressed her desire to return to her village for one last goodbye to her family, Murphy recognized the moment as the perfect opportunity to document her journey.
Yarsagumba serves as a metaphorical golden ticket in the film, representing hope amid financial struggles. Murphy emphasizes the urgency and dangers associated with harvesting yarsagumba, noting that many people risk their lives to collect it. “Every year, there are more and more people trying to get that mushroom… It gets more and more dangerous,” he explained, highlighting the reality faced by those who depend on it for their livelihood.
Murphy aimed to present a narrative focused not just on the end result of immigration but on the emotional weight of leaving home. “We never see the moment where you actually leave and you’re saying goodbye and all the sacrifice behind that,” he stated, reflecting on the emotional depth of the sisters’ story.
In crafting *Goodbye Sisters*, Murphy prioritized authenticity, maintaining open communication with Jamuna throughout the filmmaking process. He aimed to ensure that her voice and perspective were central to the narrative. “It was really important for me to have Jamuna as a key part of making this film,” he asserted.
The Himalayas play a significant role in the documentary, acting as a character in their own right. Filming in such extreme conditions posed challenges, with Murphy recounting the physical toll it took on him. “I lost seven kilos in five weeks,” he revealed, illustrating the difficulty of capturing the beauty and harshness of the environment.
Despite the challenges, Murphy found moments of profound connection and emotion. One particularly moving encounter occurred when Jamuna’s sister expressed gratitude for the opportunity to discuss topics that had long been considered taboo within their family. “Thanks to you, I was able to talk about certain things… that I never really tried to talk about,” she said.
As the film prepares for its premiere, Murphy emphasizes the importance of experiencing *Goodbye Sisters* in a theater setting. “The film should never be seen on a small screen… I wanted to bring that sensorial aspect into the film,” he explained, underscoring his dedication to immersing the audience in the sisters’ journey.
Although Jamuna and her family have yet to see the documentary, Murphy hopes to return to their village to screen it for the community. He recognizes the significance of sharing their story, especially given the challenges they faced. “I want to show that we did it about this family and say, ‘Look how incredible these girls are!’” he concluded.
*Goodbye Sisters* promises to engage audiences with its heartfelt portrayal of family, resilience, and the harsh realities of pursuing dreams against overwhelming odds.
