Film Lens
Punam is a documentary film from 2006 that tells the story of nine-year-old Punam Tamang, who lives in Bhaktapur, Nepal. The film presents the harsh realities of Punam's life after losing her mother at the age of five. She takes on the responsibilities of caring for her newborn sister and two-year-old brother while their father works long hours in a rice factory to support the family. The film shows the difficult social conditions that children like Punam face, including the need to work instead of attending school.
Through Punam's perspective, the film emphasizes the importance of education as a means of improving their situation. Punam dreams of becoming a teacher and helping other children in similar circumstances. The documentary also features Punam's friends, who are forced to work in stone quarries or brick-making factories due to their families' financial struggles, illustrating the broader issue of child labor in the region.
Why Watch
- •Meet Punam, a nine-year-old caregiver in Bhaktapur, Nepal.
- •See the impact of child labor on education in Nepal.
- •Find out how a documentary inspired a global fund for children.
Did You Know
•Punam's mother died when she was five years old.
•The school fees for each student are only US$1.50 per month.
•Punam was voted the most popular film among teachers in the Czech Republic in 2006.
•The PUNAM FUND was established in September 2007 to combat child labor.
Perfect For
Child labor issuesNepalese cultureDocumentary enthusiasts