Nepali documentary filmmaker Abhas Rijal’s The Witness of Yara has won the award for best short documentary at the 29th Religion Today Film Festival in Trento, Italy.

Filmed at an altitude of nearly 3,800 metres, the 15-minute-29-second documentary examines the effects of climate change in Nepal’s Himalayan region through the eyes of a young woman. It explores how a changing climate is reshaping the region’s natural environment as well as its cultural and social life.

Rijal, a permanent resident of Rasuwa district, said receiving the award in a city known for its blend of nature, spirituality and culture was an honour, but the recognition came at a difficult time for him.

“Many of my relatives and friends were among those affected by the Bhotekoshi floods on August 26, so I cannot celebrate this achievement as I normally would,” Rijal said. “The village where I grew up and the school where I studied have been washed away. Hundreds of women have been widowed, and hundreds of children have been orphaned.”

Rijal said he wanted to dedicate the recognition to those who died in the floods and thank those who had expressed solidarity with Nepal and offered support during the crisis.

“I want to remember those who lost their lives in the floods and express my gratitude to everyone who has shown support and solidarity with Nepal during this difficult time,” he said.

Narayan GC and Bikal Thapa were the cinematographers for the documentary.

The festival, which has been held annually for 29 years, featured 63 films from 37 countries in its latest edition.