Louisa Moore - Screen Zealots

“Snow Leopard Sisters” is a visually breathtaking, deeply moving documentary that intertwines a story about conservation, Indigenous resilience, and female empowerment against the backdrop of Nepal’s remote Dolpo region. Directed with a nice balance of both human and ecological drama, the film follows dedicated conservationist Tshiring Lhamu Lama and Tenzin Bhuti Gurung, a teenage girl who seizes an opportunity to escape an arranged marriage by apprenticing with Tshiring. Their unlikely friendship unfolds in a landscape as harsh as it is beautiful, where survival is a delicate balance between tradition and progress. The documentary grapples with complex issues, including the ethical dilemmas of wildlife conservation, the economic hardships of rural communities, and the patriarchal traditions that shape the lives of Indigenous women. While it ambitiously covers a lot of ground (and sometimes too much) it never loses sight of its emotional center. Tshiring’s infectious passion for snow leopards and Tenzin’s gradual transformation from reluctant participant to devoted advocate are incredibly compelling to watch, and the film takes audiences in the passenger seat of their journey. As you’d expect, the cinematography is jaw-dropping, capturing sweeping Himalayan vistas and the elusive beauty of the snow leopard in a way that feels completely immersive. Every frame underscores the fragility of both the ecosystem and the human relationships within one of the most beautiful places on Earth. “Snow Leopard Sisters” is an unforgettable journey that hits so many emotional notes, and it will especially resonate with lovers of nature and our planet. The documentary is a powerful reminder that conservation isn’t just about saving animals, but also about changing hearts and minds. There’s still a lot of work to do, but this film just may inspire many to roll up their sleeves to help. By: Louisa Moore / SCREEN ZEALOTS