Watch Ancient Futures: 20 Years Later

Ancient Futures: 20 Years Later is a documentary film released in 2018, directed by David and Hiroyuki Takata. The film is a sequel to the 1992 film, Ancient Futures: Learning from Ladakh, which explored the traditional, sustainable way of life in the Himalayan region of Ladakh. The documentary takes a look at the changes that have occurred in Ladakh over the past two decades, since the release of the original film. Ancient Futures: 20 Years Later shows the viewers how things have changed and how the locals are adapting to the new world.

The movie begins by taking us back to Ladakh and immersing us in the unique landscape of the Himalayas. As the camera pans over the snow-capped mountains and vast plains, we are introduced to the people of Ladakh, who are still living their lives in the same way as they did decades ago. The film highlights how the people of Ladakh are deeply rooted in their culture and traditions and how they have managed to maintain their way of life despite the changes brought about by modernity.

Ancient Futures: 20 Years Later then goes on to explore the changes that have occurred in Ladakh since the 1990s. We see how tourism has boomed in the region, and how it has impacted the locals. The movie also sheds light on how the government has attempted to modernize Ladakh by building new roads and modern infrastructure. We see how these changes have had both positive and negative impacts on the people of Ladakh.

One of the biggest changes in Ladakh has been the introduction of schools and formal education. The documentary shows how the local children are now attending schools and learning subjects such as English and Math, which were never taught in the past. This has led to a widening of opportunities for the young people of Ladakh, but it has also put pressure on them to conform to modern ways of living.

However, despite the modernization of Ladakh, the movie highlights how the people are still struggling to adapt to the new world. We see how the traditional way of life is slowly disappearing and how some of the older generation is struggling to find their place in the changing society.

Ancient Futures: 20 Years Later also explores the environmental challenges faced by Ladakh. The film shows how the glaciers are melting, and how the locals are adapting to the changing climate. It sheds light on the efforts being made by local NGOs to preserve Ladakh's unique environment and highlights the importance of sustainable living.

Throughout the movie, we hear from various people, including the locals and experts, who share their insights on the changes that have occurred in Ladakh over the past two decades. The movie presents a balanced view of the situation and allows the viewers to form their own opinions on the changes in Ladakh.

Overall, Ancient Futures: 20 Years Later is an engaging and informative documentary that offers a fascinating insight into the changes that have occurred in Ladakh over the past two decades. The cinematography is breathtaking, and the storytelling is captivating. The movie offers a nuanced view of the situation and presents the viewers with multiple perspectives on the changes in Ladakh. Whether you are interested in culture, sustainability or climate change, this film is definitely worth a watch.