Children of God is a remarkable documentary that sheds light on the grim realities of those living in poverty, and the strength of human resilience. Set in the vibrant city of Kathmandu, Nepal, the film follows Alesh Poudel, a 12 year old boy who lives and works in one of the city’s crematoriums with his family.
At such a young age, Alesh has already experienced more than his fair share of hardships. Despite his challenging circumstances, he maintains an innocent outlook on life; taking everything in with a sense of wonderment and relatability. Through him, viewers are given an intimate window into this tumultuous world that many would otherwise remain oblivious to.
The film poignantly captures moments between Alesh and his family as they grapple with their ever-changing environment and strive to make ends meet without access to basic fundamentals like running water and electricity. The viewers are also introduced to other children living similar lifestyles near Kathmandu’s Ganges River who similarly suffer from extreme financial hardship due to instances outside of their control like discrimination or displacement.
Even throughout these heartbreaking scenes, Children of God finds moments for beauty and hope in its story. Whether it be through Alesh’s clever wit or truthful observations about life itself, we can’t help but catch glimpses into his perspective which brings even more humanity into the documentary’s narrative. The documentary poses questions about our own understanding of home and what it really means to struggle for survival that will surely linger long after the credits have rolled.
With its strong visual storytelling techniques combined with its timely themes, Children of God is certain to leave a lasting impression on any audience who watches it. From providing insight into Nepalese culture to shining light onto seldom seen issues concerning poverty stricken communities around the world, this documentary is an essential watch for anyone looking for a poignant awakening or simply something thought-provoking and unique.
