Dallas, Texas (December 12, 2012) – Caring For The World Films announced today its film Hearts In The Himalayas has won a prestigious Award of Merit in the Women Filmmaker category from the Best Shorts Competition.  The award was given for director Debi Lang’s compelling humanitarian documentary Hearts In The Himalayas which profiles the extraordinary work  of Nepalese NGO Himalayan HealthCare (HHC), a driven and dedicated volunteer organization that provides medical care, education, and income generation opportunities to the people of rural Nepal. It the fifth award the film has received this year. In November, the documentary received four Omni Awards for Documentary, Director, Cinematography and Non-Profit Charitable Cause.

Hearts In The Himalayas is a documentary project over two years in the making by the award-winning humanitarian photojournalist.  In the film, HHC volunteers, led by co-founder Anil Parajuli and his dedicated Nepalese staff, endure harsh conditions and treacherous terrain during a trek to bring much needed medical and dental care to people living in the remote Dhading region of the Himalayas. The film integrates footage shot during an Everest-size expedition fraught by challenges with a powerful narrative as Parajuli takes the viewer into the brutal conditions the villagers face everyday.

We meet Pema Tamang, Phe Dorge Tamang and Bin Maya Tamang, the HHC trained healthcare providers who work around the clock to provide medical care to the people of their villages; Bahadur BK, who, with the help of HHC, has broken the barriers of his caste to become one of the most respected educators in the region; and the women who are determined to improve village life through the income generation and empowerment programs. Parajuli and HHC board president Dr. Robert McKersie, reveal the story behind Megh Bahadur Parajuli Community Hospital, which became the beacon of hope for the 300,000 people in the Ilam region during the fog of a deadly 10-year civil war.

“I am honored and humbled that my peers have recognized our work. It is a win not only for me and my team, but also the HHC volunteers and the people of Nepal, “ said Lang.  “The Best Shorts Award of Merit underscores our decision to showcase the truly inspiring stories of this Nepalese humanitarian organization.” Insisting the film be portrayed from the Nepalese perspective, Lang said she took great care to ensure the villagers were presented in a dignified and respectful manner.  “It took great time and patience for the villagers to trust me with their stories and it really underscores the impact HHC has made in this region. The film not only shows the great work of the volunteers, but allows the viewer to experience what life is like in the Himalayas, as well as meet the people HHC is helping.”

The Best Shorts Competition recognizes film professionals who demonstrate exceptional achievement in craft and creativity, and those who produce standout entertainment or contribute to profound social change. Entries are judged by highly qualified professionals in the film industry.

In winning Best Shorts laurels, Debi Lang and Caring For The World Films join the ranks of other high profile winners of this internationally respected award. Thomas Baker, Ph.D., who chairs the Best Shorts Competition, had this to say about the latest winners, “Best Shorts Competition helps set the standard for craft and creativity. The judges were pleased with the exceptionally high quality of entries. The goal of the Best Shorts Competition is to help winners achieve the recognition they deserve.”

A list of this year’s winners can be found at http://www.bestshorts.net.

Caring For The World Films is an award-winning 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has distinguished itself as THE production company humanitarian organizations trust to tell their story.  The team searches the planet for sustainable, relatively unknown charitable organizations that have limited resources and go where no one else cares to go.  They select only the most compelling stories after months of exhaustive research has been conducted to confirm they are making a tangible positive impact on the communities they serve.  Although the films raise awareness, enhance fundraising and recruitment efforts for their cause, they serve to educate communities about a variety of cultures and confirms for the benefactors that their donations are being utilized effectively.

Caring For The World Films has received numerous awards and film festival invitations for its humanitarian documentaries including Telly and Omni Awards. To learn more about “Hearts In The Himalayas” and to view previous films, please visit www.caringfortheworldfilms.org.

Media Contact:

Sue Champagne

Caring For The World Films

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