Underground Slate Brings Nabin Subba’s Critically Acclaimed Film ‘A Road to a Village’ to UK

Bristol, UK – 3 July 2025 — Underground Slate, a Bristol-based start-up reshaping film distribution, announces the UK release of A Road to a Village, the latest feature from acclaimed Nepali director Nabin Subba.

The release marks the first in a slate of international titles brought to UK audiences by Underground Slate, which is focused on championing bold, independent cinema from underrepresented voices around the world.

Following its celebrated international premieres at the Toronto International Film Festival and the Busan International Film Festival, A Road to a Village has captivated audiences with its emotional depth, cinematic poetry, and powerful storytelling.

Set against the backdrop of rural Nepal, the film explores the impact of modernisation on traditional life, as a small family grapples with the arrival of a new road and the upheaval it brings. With compelling performances and a striking visual narrative, the film is a poignant meditation on progress, heritage, and the resilience of the human spirit.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with a filmmaker of Nabin Subba’s calibre,” said Gabriel Wetz, co-founder of Underground Slate. “His work speaks to universal themes in a deeply local context — exactly the kind of bold, underrepresented storytelling we’re committed to bringing to wider audiences.”

“Nepali cinema is still underrepresented globally – which is why partnerships like this matter,” said director Nabin Subba. “Underground Slate shares my belief that stories from the margins deserve centre stage. This film reflects universal themes through a uniquely Nepali lens, and I’m excited to bring it to UK audiences through a team that values cultural depth and creative risk.”

“I’ve always been passionate about bringing Nepalese arts and culture to the world stage,” added Amod Rai, the film’s producer. “My work as an educator and community organiser has shaped how I view storytelling and representation. Living in Hong Kong, surrounded by world-class filmmakers, made me ask: why can’t Nepal’s stories be seen on the same screens? This film is part of our vision to see more independent Nepali cinema reach global audiences.”

Nepal and the United Kingdom maintain one of the longest-standing and most resilient diplomatic relationships globally, characterised by mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation, Ambassador Chandra Kumar Ghimire said. He added, “The UK premiere of Gau Ayeko Bato (A Road to a Village) presents a narrative of the evolving landscape of development. Nabin Subba’s film not only captures the beauty and intricacies of rural life in Nepal but also addresses universal themes of change, resilience, and identity. I commend the film team for presenting this significant work to British audiences and for contributing to the enhancement of the cultural ties between our two amicable nations.”

The UK release of A Road to a Village marks an important step in bringing diverse, independent voices from Nepal to wider audiences. UK viewers can look forward to experiencing a film that not only entertains but also invites reflection on the universal themes of change, tradition, and resilience.