The acclaimed and deeply intimate feature Shakti, directed by Nepalese‑American filmmaker Nani Sahra Walker, is now streaming on VOD on Amazon in the US and UK. This marks the first digital window for the film, with a wider streaming rollout planned for next week.
Set in Kathmandu, Shakti follows a single mother fighting to protect her nine‑year‑old daughter as the child undergoes a sudden and troubling transformation. Their journey forces them to confront buried trauma, systemic injustice, and the harsh realities of Nepal’s restrictive statute of limitations on sexual violence cases. The film’s narrative directly engages with ongoing calls for accountability and reform, grounding its supernatural elements in urgent social truth.
Shakti has screened at major international festivals—including the Heartland International Film Festival, Santa Barbara International Film Festival, International Film Festival of India, and the Hawaii International Film Festival—where it built strong audience momentum and earned multiple awards throughout its run. Most recently, the film screened to a sold‑out crowd at the 44th CAAMFest, presented by the Center for Asian American Media.
The film is supported by the Gerbode Foundation, the ARRI International Support Program, and financed by Snehal Fulzele and Vrushali Satarkar.
Shot by acclaimed cinematographer Keiko Nakahara, Shakti stars Laxmi Bardewa, Menuka Pradhan, Shristi Shrestha, Maoste Gurung, Akash Nepali, and newcomer Polina Oli.
Distributed by Buffalo 8, the film also features an original score by William Ryan Fritch, released by Buffalo 8 Music, and includes the original song Naam by Nepali rapper Dmriti, with sarangi performances by Shyam Nepali.
Shakti is now streaming on VOD on Amazon. Interviews, reviews, and feature coverage are welcome. Director Nani Sahra Walker is available for interviews via Zoom, phone, email, and potentially in person.
