Dehradun (S.P. Sharma): In a vibrant celebration coinciding with the Igas festival, the muhurat (inaugural) ceremony for the upcoming film Fyonli… Daughter of the Mountains (Fyonli… Parvat Ki Beti) was held today at Lekhak Gaon (Writers’ Village) here. Produced under the banner of Himalayan Film, the event was graced by former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ and Nodal Officer of the Uttarakhand Film Development Council, Nitin Upadhyay, who formally launched the project by clapping the slate and breaking a coconut.
Dr. Nishank extended his best wishes to the entire film team, highlighting the film’s poignant narrative. Penned and directed by acclaimed senior journalist Manoj Ishtwal, Fyonli… Daughter of the Mountains is centered on the inspiring journey of an educated young woman from the hilly regions of Uttarakhand. Overcoming numerous challenges, she rises to fulfill her dreams, embodying resilience and aspiration in mountainous states. “This film is a testament to the strength of our daughters,” Dr. Nishank remarked. He commended the Uttarakhand government for creating a robust platform for films in regional languages, Hindi, and other tongues, which not only promotes cultural storytelling but also generates employment opportunities in the state. “We must celebrate producers and directors like these who craft meaningful scripts,” he added.
Echoing these sentiments, Nitin Upadhyay, emphasized the state government’s proactive support for cinema. “Through subsidies for regional and national language films, we aim to showcase Uttarakhand’s breathtaking valleys and hills on global screens, while empowering local artists with platforms to shine,” he said. Upadhyay praised the integration of strong storytelling, skilled direction, personal experiences, and cutting-edge technology to deliver wholesome entertainment. Noting Ishtwal’s script, he observed, “It aligns beautifully with campaigns like ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ (Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter). As a short film, we hope it delivers a powerful message to society, inspiring change and positivity.”
Following the muhurat, the crew immediately rolled cameras for select scenes at the Nalanda Library Research and Study Center within Lekhak Gaon. The 27-member production team was fully present, buzzing with energy. Produced by Rajat Dubral and Srishti Dubral under Himalayan Film (in association with the Himalayan Discover Foundation), the film is directed by Manoj Ishtwal, with Harish Sanwal serving as associate director. Key team members include Dr. Mohan Bhulani, Sunil Gupta, Indra Singh Negi, SP Sharma, Ajit Pathania, Ajit Negi, and Rahul Vashishth.
The cast features prominent roles played by Mansi Sharma, Kiran Dimri Kittu, Reena Chauhan, Shri Sharma, Manoj Ishtwal, Shashimohan Rawat, and others. Cinematography is handled by Govind Negi and Chandrashekhar Chauhan, capturing the film’s evocative Himalayan backdrop.
As Uttarakhand’s film ecosystem flourishes, Fyonli… Daughter of the Mountains is poised to join the ranks of stories that celebrate the indomitable spirit of the region’s women, blending cultural authenticity with universal appeal. Further details on the release are awaited.
