Goodbye Sisters, the feature documentary debut by French-Irish filmmaker Alexander Murphy, captures a poignant family story set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Himalayas. The film follows sisters Jamuna, 21, and Anmuna on what may be their final journey to the mountains. Their goal is to harvest yarsagumba, a rare fungus-insect hybrid that holds significant financial value. This expedition not only symbolizes their deep familial ties but also represents Jamuna’s hope to fund her education in Japan.
Premiering on November 20, 2023, in the international documentary competition at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, the film promises to offer audiences a narrative that is both “heart-wrenching and uplifting,” as described by festival organizers. Co-written by Murphy and Jean-Baptiste Plard, the documentary showcases the resilience of two sisters striving for a better future amid challenging circumstances.
Murphy’s interest in yarsagumba, often referred to as “Himalayan viagra,” inspired the film. He explained to THR, “There are hundreds of tents up in the mountains, with people collecting this magic mushroom worth more than gold.” Initially, he hesitated to focus solely on the mushroom. Instead, he sought a character-driven story that would reveal deeper themes of family and empowerment.
In 2019, Murphy embarked on a journey through the rugged terrain of Nepal, reaching altitudes of up to 5,000 meters. It was during this expedition that he met Jamuna, a bright young woman who spoke English and stood out among her peers. He spent several days with her family, learning about their experiences and the backstory of yarsagumba harvesting.
Jamuna and Anmuna’s past is marked by hardship. They had attended a fraudulent institution posing as a school and orphanage that exploited children for labor. Following the intervention of a concerned sponsor, the sisters escaped and began working in Kathmandu to support themselves and their family. Murphy was captivated by their story and the sisters’ remarkable strength.
He initially drafted a fictional script based on Jamuna’s experiences but soon realized that the essence of the story could only be captured through collaboration with her. In early 2023, Jamuna contacted him with a significant decision: she planned to return to her village to bid farewell to her parents before pursuing her dreams in Japan. This moment spurred Murphy to film their journey.
The yarsagumba serves as a vital lifeline for many families in the region, with its collection becoming increasingly dangerous due to rising competition and environmental challenges. “Every year, more people seek out this mushroom, risking their lives in the process,” Murphy noted. The documentary emphasizes the human aspect of this endeavor, exploring the sacrifices made by those who leave their homes in pursuit of a better life.
Jamuna’s emotional farewell to her parents is a central theme in the film. She expresses to them that she may not return for many years. Murphy highlights the importance of capturing these intimate moments: “We often see the successes of those who have left, but we rarely witness the challenges and sacrifices they endure before departing.”
The filmmaker was keen to authentically portray Jamuna’s journey and foster an open dialogue throughout the production process. He maintained a close relationship with the sisters, ensuring their voices were central to the narrative. “It was crucial for me to involve Jamuna as a key part of making this film,” he emphasized.
The Himalayas themselves emerge as a character within the documentary. Murphy described the challenges of filming in such extreme conditions, stating, “One moment, the mountain is welcoming; the next, it can turn hostile.” He faced physical challenges during the shoot, losing weight due to the demanding environment. “We sometimes walked for 15 to 16 hours to capture a single shot,” he recalled.
An emotional moment occurred when Jamuna’s sister expressed gratitude for the opportunity to discuss previously taboo topics during the filming process. “Thanks to you, I was able to talk about certain things that I never talked about with my family,” she shared with Murphy, reinforcing the documentary’s impact.
Murphy believes that the full experience of Goodbye Sisters can only be felt in cinemas. He emphasized the importance of the film’s visual and auditory elements, which were carefully crafted to immerse viewers in the high-altitude environment.
While Jamuna and her family have yet to see the completed documentary, Murphy is eager to share it with them and their community. He noted that the father was proud to have their story told but also expressed the skepticism of others in their village. Murphy aims to return to the village to screen the film, emphasizing the significance of their story and the incredible resilience of the sisters.
In conclusion, Goodbye Sisters is more than just a documentary about yarsagumba; it is a powerful narrative about family, sacrifice, and the pursuit of dreams in the face of adversity. Murphy’s dedication to portraying the sisters’ experiences authentically ensures that their story resonates with audiences worldwide.
