Even When I Fall

Even When I Fall is a heartfelt documentary film from 2017 directed by Sky Neal and Kate McLarnon. The film features two truly inspiring women, Sheetal and Saraswoti from Nepal. They're not actresses, just everyday people, and the beauty of their resilience and strength gives color to the narrative. The film serves as a beautiful reminder of the human spirit's ability to rise from adversities and how personal struggles can be channels of empowerment and inspiration.

The movie dedicates itself to the issue of child trafficking that is rampant in several parts of the world. It is majorly set in Nepal, a country that bears a striking economic contrast with the aesthetic beauty of its landscape. The poverty in several Nepalese localities drives innumerable families into selling their children to circuses across India. It is in this horrific world that our protagonists, Sheetal, and Saraswoti find themselves in as young girls.

The film opens by giving us an inside look at Sheetal and Saraswoti's shocking past life as trafficked circus slaves in India. As terrifying as that sounds, the movie doesn't capitalize on the tragedy for melodrama. Instead, it adopts a sensitive gaze towards this severe crime against humanity. The director duo sheds light on the harsh realities of their lives using a parallel narrative technique, which balances the depth of the characters' past with their inspiring journey towards the future. This expert storytelling approach serves the purpose of informing the audience without overly distressing images that one might naturally expect from such a premise.

Sheetal and Saraswoti expose their crippling past in a quiet and composed manner, never seeking sympathy but only understanding. Using vintage clips from their circus days, the film juxtaposes their past performances as children with the adults they've become. This narrative style subtly highlights the extreme childhood experiences that have shaped them as women.

Their journey from being exploited children to empowered adults forms the focus of Even When I Fall. Both women escaped their circumstances, but they didn't just stop at saving themselves. In a beautiful narrative twist, Sheetal and Saraswoti, along with 11 other survivors, open "Circus Kathmandu"--Nepal's first and only circus company. The movie explores the evolution and development of this circus, which they effectively utilize as a platform to inform the world about the grim reality of child trafficking. This circus company is more than just entertainment. It is a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration.

Through the narrative, the movie explores the struggles and achievements of Circus Kathmandu's years of operation. They perform at stunning locations across the globe, but their mission remains resolute. Through their performances, they raise awareness about child trafficking issues while simultaneously proving that the past doesn't have to dictate one's future. Their success story sends a strong message about the resilience and perseverance of the human spirit.

Even When I Fall shines a light on the importance of mental and emotional resilience in the face of adversity. The documentary follows Sheetal and Saraswoti’s lives over six years, painting an intimate portrait of their friendship, strength, and fight for justice. Their story helps reiterate the old conviction about art being a sure-shot weapon against injustice as they channel their ordeals into spellbinding circus performances.

The movie also subtly examines how society perceives the victims of human trafficking and underscores the need for a collective change in attitude. It does this while taking us on an emotional roller-coaster ride, intertwining their stories against a backdrop of a transitioning Nepal from a monarchy to a republic.

Even When I Fall is an inspiring documentary that tells a story of hope and perseverance. Touching upon serious issues like human trafficking and child exploitation, it documents an amazing journey of overcoming adversity and transforming tragedy into empowerment. It is captured with stunning visuals, complimented by an impactful narrative. This documentary speaks volumes about human resilience, making it a must-see for everyone. It is a testament to every woman's strength worldwide and an ode to the survival spirit.