Prashanna Subedi (he/him)
Writer/Director
Director's Statement
As a Nepali studying Filmmaking in the U.S., this project is both a personal journey and a responsibility to tell stories from my community.
Growing up in Kathmandu, even in a relatively progressive environment compared to far-western Nepal, I have witnessed my cousin sisters and aunts being restricted from entering the kitchen or touching male family members during their periods. At the time, it felt unsettling but almost normal, as if these rules were simply part of life. Though less severe than the practice of Chhaupadi in rural areas, these restrictions revealed the deeply rooted beliefs about menstruation in Nepali society.
After learning about Chhaupadi, I understood the extent of how these deep-rooted beliefs affect women across Nepal. The more I learned, the more disturbed I became, realizing that what I saw in my family was part of a larger, more harmful tradition that still exists in 2024.
This VR documentary will serve as an immersive educational tool. By experiencing Priya’s story, we aim to achieve empathy and contribute to the conversation around gender equity in Nepal and South Asia as a whole.
Prasin Shrestha (he/him)
Head developer/Animator/Writer
Prasin is a Game Development student pursuing a BS/MS in Game Design at Drexel University. Originally from Bhaktapur, Nepal, he has a passion for 3D art and game design, with over 8 years of experience using industry-standard software like Unity, Blender and Unreal Engine.
As the president of Drexel's Nepali Students Association, he has also honed leadership and public speaking skills. His technical knowledge and creative vision have been crucial in authentically shaping the immersive experience of this film.
Hemanta Adhikari (she/her)
Writer
Hemanta is studying Neuroscience on the Pre-Med track at the University of Pennsylvania. Born in the Bhutanese Refugee Camp in Pathari, Nepal, and immigrating to the U.S. at the age of six, she has a deep connection to both her heritage and her community.
She writes poems in both Nepali and English, with a focus on mental health awareness, healthcare access, and well-being. Involved in the Nepali Students Association at University of Pennsylvania and active in the Bhutanese Nepali community in Harrisburg, she brings a unique voice and perspective to this project.
Sampanna Bhatta (he/him)
PR/Tech Consultant
Sampanna Bhatta, a University of Pennsylvania graduate, brings extensive experience in both PR and tech to our VR film team. Having grown up in Nepal, Sampanna combines his cultural insight with a strong professional background, having consulted and interned in software engineering roles at leading companies like Bain, Amazon, and Snap.
Currently working at a Tech startup, he’s passionate about using technology for social impact. Through this project, Sampanna aims to create a meaningful, awareness-raising tool that highlights important cultural issues and empowers communities.
Utsav Chaudhary (he/him)
VR consultant
Utsav is a VR Developer with experience creating Virtual Reality rehabilitation games. He recently won the silver prize at the prestigious MIT Reality Hackathon and was the runner up at the XR Hack Stockholm 2024 in Sweden. As a VR specialist and consultant for our project, he brings his technical expertise to help us create a more immersive and impactful experience for the audience.
Kris Sell (she/they)
Sound design/Foley artist
Kris is a senior Drexel student with a passion for sound design and foley. Her interest in social justice and women's rights were great factors in her involvement with the project.
Through this experience, Kris is hoping to highlight the underrepresented stories of women through immersive sound design that makes viewers feel as though they are living in the story. She finds collaboration a necessary tool to foster creative development and feels as though this project is a great way for her to create meaningful connections and grow as a sound designer.
Medhavi Pandit (she/her)
Narrator
Medhavi is an Economics and Business Analytics student at Drexel University, originally from Kathmandu, Nepal. As the Narrator for A Voice from the Hut, she adds depth and authenticity to the project. She brings a wealth of experience in theater, having performed in various plays in highschool and at Drexel.
In addition to her artistic pursuits, Medhavi has demonstrated leadership in the Pennoni Honors College and the Drexel Nepali Student Association, showcasing her dedication to making a positive impact.