Ethousands of Nepalese villagers go to the Himalayan hills every year in search of a mushroom 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 by Maude Plante-Husaruk and Maxime Lacoste-Lebuis paints a moving portrait of a community exploited by modern commerce.
Living in the largely agrarian town of Maikot, a wistful Lalita recalls her adolescent dreams of going to college, but an early marriage and now motherhood have stalled her education. Through observational camerawork, the film subtly highlights the gender gap in this part of Nepal, as the majority of farming and household work is undertaken by women. By braving the difficult journey to the Himalayas, Lalita also steps towards a better future for her young daughter.
Notoriously difficult to spot, yarsagumba grows from the decomposed bodies of caterpillars and blends seamlessly into the earthy soil. The harvest takes place during harsh weather conditions and puts incredible pressure on the villagers, who are housed in makeshift rudimentary tents. These hardships are temporarily born of moments of communal joy; there is an “entertainment” tent where the villagers gather to watch movies and listen to music.
Their meager pay pales in comparison to the earnings of the wholesalers, who can make up to $18,000 (£14,500) per kilo. When viewed in wide shots, the ant-like figures of the collectors and the majesty of the snow-capped mountain ranges evoke an uneasy juxtaposition of exploitation and beauty. Here is the blood, sweat and tears that go into every shiny package of the “Himalayan Viagra”.
