Filmmaker Jeremy Power Regimbal found himself between a rock and a hard place when making his new documentary “Between the Mountain and the Sky.” How does a documentarian capture a subject while he is falling in love with her?
Regimbal directs the meta feature, which is executive produced by the Duplass Brothers. “Between the Mountain and the Sky” centers on Maggie Doyne, who was honored as the 2015 CNN Hero of the Year for her non-profit work in Nepal. Doyne co-founded a children’s home, women’s empowerment program, and school in Nepal, plus became the guardian to over fifty Nepalese children, which in part led to her receiving the award.
Yet days after the CNN ceremony, Doyne’s youngest child was taken from her. Per the official synopsis, “after a chance encounter amidst her grief, Doyne allows a filmmaker into her life to document herself, her family, and soon enough, their falling in love. ‘Between the Mountain and the Sky’ explores resilience, love’s impact in loss, and a family’s enduring strength to find hope in the darkest times.”
Mark Duplass, Jay Duplass, Mel Eslyn, Tom Mulvaney, and Karen Mulvaney executive produce the documentary. The film premiered at the Mountain Film Festival, where it won the Audience Choice Award. It will also screen at the Montclair Film Festival on October 19.
Director Regimbal made his feature debut with indie horror-thriller “In Their Skin,” which premiered at the 2012 Tribeca Film Festival and was released by IFC. His documentary “Between the Mountain and the Sky” was years in the making.
“This wasn’t a film I pitched or developed through formal processes,” Regimbal said in a press statement. “It was very organic in how it all started. Initially, I witnessed someone, whom I had this overwhelming feeling was going to be an important part of my life, going through the deepest of loss and grief, and I felt called to be by her side. In those early days, I was just someone for Maggie to be present with, listen when she wanted to talk, and get her out into nature to help her find her love and hope again after experiencing unimaginable loss.”
He continued, “However, delving deeper into Maggie’s life and the story of Kopila Valley revealed an extraordinary story of resilience and hope. Discovering the remarkable journey of Maggie and her co-founder, Top Malla, over two decades creating a haven for women and children in Nepal, illuminated the profound magic within their family and community in Nepal.”
“Between the Mountain and the Sky” is still seeking distribution. Check out the trailer below.
