Far Beyond the Pasturelands

Maude Plante-Husaruk, Maxime Lacoste-Lebuis – Director’s Statement

In the past 10 years, we have spent half of our time abroad, learning and documenting social issues and stories on remote cultures of Asia and the Middle East.

We learned about yarsagumba while we were in Nepal for a humanitarian project we had initiated in response to the devastating earthquake of 2015. The idea of learning more about the phenomenon surrounding this rare caterpillar-mushroom hybrid stayed in our thoughts for the years that followed.

In May 2019, we finally left for a 20-day hiking expedition in the Himalayan mountains in search of the infamous mushroom. On our way, we met Lalita. Her personal story, perspective and the relationship we developed with her transformed our perception of the subject.

We had set off with the idea of making a film on a mysterious mushroom but the project quickly became a reflection on the dreams and aspirations of the people that are at the heart of the yarsagumba harvest gold rush.

Through their eyes, you can see and feel the impact that the newly found resource and resulting economic dependency have had on the community and individuals that participate in this unique production-consumption chain. As a symbol of our times, the inequality was in full display. The yarsagumba is one of the most expensive resources in the world, consumed only by a wealthy elite that can afford the rising prices caused by its steady disappearance. What will happen to Lalita and her community when the yarsagumba becomes extinct?

We are filled with love and admiration for Lalita, her family and the people of Maikot. We hope that the film can pay tribute to their courage and their journey. We hope that they can one day fulfill their dreams and aspirations because luck shouldn’t dictate whether one has access to health, education and the opportunity of a better life.