Nepali Drama ‘Shakti’ Sets Prime Video Debut in U.S. and U.K.

“Shakti,” the debut narrative feature from filmmaker Nani Sahra Walker, will make its digital bow on Prime Video across the U.S. and U.K. on May 22, with a trailer unveiled ahead of the launch. Buffalo 8 handles distribution.

The film unfolds in Kathmandu, where a mother races to shield her nine-year-old daughter from a sudden and troubling change – a journey that forces both characters to reckon with trauma and with a legal system ill-equipped to deliver justice. At its center, the story takes aim at Nepal’s time limits on prosecuting sexual violence, reflecting wider pressure for legislative accountability.

Walker’s prior credits include the documentary “Other Nature,” which she directed, and the Academy Award-winning short “The Last Repair Shop,” on which she served as executive producer.

“Shakti” gathered prizes across a run of prominent international festivals, including the Heartland International Film Festival, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, the International Film Festival of India and the Hawaii International Film Festival. Before it reaches streaming audiences, the film will appear at the 44th CAAMFest – presented by the Center for Asian American Media – in the San Francisco Bay Area on May 10.

“The conversations we’ve seen at festivals – especially with younger audiences – point to an urgent demand for stories that confront the abuse of power in society,” Walker said.

“Every gatekeeper who called this story ‘too taboo’ only reinforced the film’s point. Naming these realities is the first step toward dismantling that culture,” Walker added.

Keiko Nakahara served as director of photography. The cast includes Laxmi Bardewa, Menuka Pradhan, Shristi Shrestha, Maoste Gurung and Akash Nepali, with Polina Oli making her screen debut. Snehal Fulzele and Vrushali Satarkar financed the project, with additional backing from the Gerbode Foundation and the ARRI International Support Program.

“As Dalit entrepreneurs, supporting ‘Shakti’ was deeply personal for us. The film confronts uncomfortable truths with rare authenticity, and we believe stories like this have the power to shift perspectives and spark meaningful change,” Fulzele and Satarkar said.

William Ryan Fritch composed the score, which Buffalo 8 Music has distributed globally. The album incorporates an original track, “Naam,” from Nepali rapper Dmriti, alongside sarangi contributions from musician Shyam Nepali.

Watch the trailer here: