A Nepali documentary chronicling a journey from the country’s lowest point to the summit of Mount Everest has won a major regional honor at an international festival in France.
The feature-length documentary “Zero to 8848” has received the Best Asian Film Award at the World Film Festival in Cannes, France, for its December 2025 edition. Festival jurors praised the film’s narrative structure, visual quality and its moving depiction of struggle, courage and aspiration, selecting it from entries submitted by filmmakers across the world for its originality, in‑depth research and universal appeal.
“Zero to 8848” traces an ambitious expedition from Kachankawal in Jhapa District, Nepal’s lowest-altitude region, to the top of Mount Everest, 8,848 meters above sea level. The documentary blends adventure and reflection, portraying themes of perseverance, patience, purpose and bravery while also engaging with issues such as climate change, Nepal’s geographical diversity and human resilience.
Beyond its physical journey, the film carries a philosophical message that likens life itself to an unending ascent, encouraging audiences to interpret personal hardship as part of a broader climb toward meaning and achievement. Set against sweeping Himalayan landscapes and diverse communities, the documentary seeks to elevate Asian narratives and characters on the global stage by foregrounding local culture alongside universal questions of identity and survival.
The documentary was conceived by journalist and writer Prem Baniya, who also penned the script, with direction and editing by filmmakers Niranjan Pandey and Balram Budhathoki. Produced under the banner of Zero to 8848 Entertainment on an estimated budget of about 1 million US dollars, the film features renowned climber and The North Face brand ambassador Conrad Anker, Everest summiteer Pasang Tendi Sherpa, world cyclist and Everest climber Pushkar Shah, mountaineer Ang Pasang Sherpa and other personalities.
With the Cannes honor, “Zero to 8848” now advances into the World Film Festival’s annual competition lineup, with the main awards ceremony slated for June 2026 and the film also shortlisted for the festival’s “Best of the Future” and Audience Award sections. The production company plans a global rollout, noting that special screenings have already taken place at AMC theaters in Atlanta and North Carolina, with additional shows in major U.S. cities from January before an extended international tour.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
