KATHMANDU BLUES

The Himalayan Blues Festival sounds like it might be a hoax or a joke, but it's very real, as Kiwi film maker Costa Botes found out when he was invited to accompany blues veteran Mike Garner and his band to the event in 2009. Working without a crew or a budget, he took a camera in a backpack, and came back with a movie.

Kathmandu Blues showcases performances from a range of international artists (including Knut Reiersru, Austin Walkin' Cane, and Jimmy Hocking) and some surprising connections are found between the blues and the ancient sounds of Nepal. The film offers up a sensory impression of the country and its people - from the smoggy traffic choked streets of Kathmandu, to sacred sites and a jungle elephant ride.