Every year, thousands of Nepalese villagers make their way to the Himalayan foothills in search of a fungus called yarsagumba. Known for its aphrodisiac properties, the elusive substance sells in China for a price higher than gold. Following Lalita, a young mother among the countless trekkers, this intimate documentary from Maude Plante-Husaruk and Maxime Lacoste-Lebuis paints a stirring portrait of a community exploited by modern commerce.
Living in the largely agrarian village of Maikot, a wistful Lalita thinks back on her adolescent dreams of going to university, but an early marriage and now motherhood put a stop to her education. Through observational camerawork, the film subtly highlights the gender gap in this part of Nepal, as the bulk of farming and domestic work is undertaken by women. In braving the tough journey towards the Himalayas, Lalita is also walking towards a brighter future for her young daughter.
Famously difficult to spot, yarsagumba grows from the decomposed bodies of caterpillars and blends seamlessly into the earthy ground. Taking place during harsh weather conditions, the harvest puts incredible strain on the villagers, who are housed in makeshift rudimentary tents. These hardships are temporarily stemmed by moments of communal joy; there is an “entertainment” tent where the villagers gather to watch movies and listen to music.
Their meagre pay pales in comparison with the earnings of the wholesalers, who can make up to $18,000 (£14,500) a kilo. When viewed in wide shots, the ant-like figures of the collectors and the majesty of the snowbound mountain ranges evoke an uneasy juxtaposition of exploitation and beauty. Here are the blood, sweat, and tears poured into each shiny package of the “Himalayan Viagra”.
