Waiting for Mamu (2013) Online

After the media represented in Kathmandu, Nepal, the children of convicted citizens are sent to prison with their parents until they are old enough to make it on their own or until their parents are released. Pushpa "Mamu" Basnet noticed this as she was earning a degree in social work, and decided to do something to change it: She started the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) in 2005 and has been working on getting these children out of prison, taking care of them and educating them ever since. The documentary follows Basnet and the children of the ECDC through their hardships and their joys, celebrating Basnet's progress even as she herself stays focused on how very far there is to go before the ECDC can afford to help all of the children still waiting in the prison. Waiting for Mamu captures the beauty of kindness, empathy and selflessness. Through interviews with the parents—most of whom are still in prison—and the children themselves, directors Morgan, Caillaud and Chen are able to portray Basnet as the true heroine she is, and provide the honest, powerful message that a single person can change the world. If everyone could follow Basnet's beliefs of passing the thanks ("Today we give it to them, tomorrow they give it to someone else"), then this world would need a great deal more documentaries.

Waiting for Mamu is a beautifully told story of Pushpa Basnet (2012 CNN Humanitarian Hero) and her work to release and care for the young children imprisoned with their parents in Nepal. It is a story of struggle and of hope. It shows a dark side of the difficult economy and the power of relentless love this young woman has for these engaging children.

A short film, we were quickly transported deep into Pushpa's world. The images, music and the telling of the tale were woven together masterfully to draw the audience into every scene. We fell in love with those beautiful, charming, funny kids. We fell in love with Pushpa Basnet, the unlikely savior working tirelessly to rescue children from a legal system that robs them of their childhood. When it came to an end, we wanted more. I highly recommend this movie. I hope they are planning a sequel.

This film opened my eyes to what happens to children of criminals in Nepal. The way the film followed the lives of each child around captivated my attention wanting me to know what happened next. Centering around Pushpa, the matriarch of these children, I could not help but want to meet and hug her in person after watching this film. My eyes teared watching her win the CNN award. I realized after wanting to take these children home to my house, that the film had touched me in an extraordinary way. The filmmakers had a way of knowing where to be and when at the right moments, every time. It's no wonder why this film won the audience award at Traverse Film Festival 2013. Great film and highly recommended.

Imagine at 5 years old, you are sentenced to prison for 13 years. You have no access to your family, to an education, to the outside world or to society.

Now, imagine a beautiful young woman saving you from that life and giving you a chance for a better one.

A true hero. Her name is Pushpa Basnet, but, the children call her "Mamu".

This is a short documentary, but it doesn't take long for Mamu and her children to enter your heart, and when they do, they will never leave.

I saw this a month ago, and think about it daily.

An impactful story told in a beautiful and captivating way. This is a real, raw story that makes my heart hurt, and yet I left filled with hope and awe for the future. Visually, the images and camera perspectives are almost photographic in their color, drama and lighting. I'm a fan of short films, and this is a great example of one in that the content takes you in deep enough to explore the story but doesn't over complicate it (or politicize it.) The focus on the children themselves--versus only a focus on Pushpa herself--works very well here. There are so many important issues in the world that need to be shared; we need documentary films like this as a form of continuing education to being a compassionate human.

If this documentary doesn't bring tears to your eyes, something is really wrong. Saw this at the Traverse City Film Festival and the entire audience was moved to tears. It was wonderful. A great story about a beautiful young lady, Pushpa Basnet, helping children in Nepal, whose parents have gone to prison for some reason and are unable to get anyone to care for their children. The film shows the reality of Nepalese life and many of the kids in Pushpa's care. Their lives and culture is so different from ours but when you get to know each of the kids, you can see how similar to our own kids they are. This makes the story even more meaningful and moving. I highly recommend seeing this movie.

I was inspired by this documentary to do more in my own world. Pushpa proves that heart, vision, compassion and love will save lives over the long run. Her commitment to the children is breathtaking and visionary.If we could listen to the children who find themselves vulnerable we would certainly know that Pushpa's efforts have changed their lives. As a CNN Hero Pushpa certainly earned her award but this documentary takes the story even further and so beautifully. I was amazed that the story was told in such a short amount of time but realized that less is more in some instances and this is one of those times. Thomas Morgan has told her story with compassion and depth. I'm grateful to have seen it and hope that many others will have the privilege.

This is a beautiful documentary film short that tells the story of a wonderful angel in Nepal who has dedicated her life to saving children from having to live in prison with their incarcerated parents. She loves, houses, feeds, and educates them, and teaches them that they have worth and purpose in this world. The film is visually stunning and well edited, and the local culture is evident and enlightening. We enter the world of these children, at home and at the school. Daily life is depicted, whether it be preparing for a school day or participating in a traditional dance. Throughout "Mamu" talks about her decision to help and her struggle to keep helping, with the financial and other obstacles she faces. Waiting for Mamu will lift your heart and make you want to get out there and do something.