The Umbrella of My World Gehendra Dhimal
Some people shape industries. Some shape lives. My father, Gehendra Dhimal, or as the world fondly called him Dhimal Baa or Papa, did both.
He was my father. But more than a father, he was my boss. We never shared the usual stories of fathers and sons. We did not talk about school or sports. We talked about work. About production budgets, numbers, logistics, and deadlines. About how to manage the impossible. About how to make it possible. Always business. Always solutions. Always the next challenge.
There never was anyone in Nepal who could do what he did. He knew every corner of film production, every trick, every risk. Nobody could cheat without him knowing. Nobody could outmanage him. He was the man producers called when things looked impossible. And every time, he delivered.
Together with Prem Upadhya, he built a foundation that became the backbone of Nepal’s film industry. They started Films & AdFilms (www.AdFilmsNepal.com) long before others in this country even knew what it truly meant to serve global productions behind the scenes. From commercials to features, from logistics to creative support, they catered to international productions with a level of professionalism that set new benchmarks.
Later, as the industry grew and demands evolved, we expanded together and created Location Nepal (www.LocationNepal.com) in 2009. It was born to fill the gap, bringing world class logistics, film services, and photography production under one umbrella. Working with us was, and still is, simple. You arrive with your story, your concept, your vision. And we do the rest. Every detail, every complication, every logistic smoothed out until your production feels effortless. Buttery. Silky. Hassle free. That was his philosophy, and it remains ours.
He taught me that nothing is impossible. If a director dreams something, we will build it. If a producer imagines a scene, we will make it happen. If weather blocks the sky, if permits stall, if equipment fails, we find a way. Always. That was his legacy, and now it is mine.
Even after his passing in 2018, his presence is still our umbrella. I hear his voice in every boardroom negotiation, in every late night budget calculation, in every on set challenge. His wisdom continues to guide me as I produce for Disney, BBC, Red Bull, Panasonic, Nippon Paint, Channel 4, and many others who trust Nepal with their stories.
The Gehendra Dhimal Foundation (www.dhimal.org) was created to carry that same spirit forward, to train and inspire new generations of filmmakers and photographers, to build leaders who can stand tall in front of any challenge. His legacy was never just about one man. It was about creating systems, people, and possibilities that would last.
For me, he was my father. But more than that, he was my boss, my guide, my teacher, and the greatest producer Nepal has ever known. Through me, through our teams, and through the companies he helped create, his umbrella still shelters every story told in this land.
And for young filmmakers, students, and creatives around the world who dream of bringing their projects to life, his umbrella is open to you as well. Through Location Nepal, Films & AdFilms, and the Gehendra Dhimal Foundation, you can find the same support that shaped me. Together, we can turn the impossible into a finished scene, a published work, a film that lives forever.
THE MAN WHO HELPED BUILD NEPAL'S PRODUCTION INDUSTRY
Long before production services became a recognized profession in Nepal, there were only a handful of people who truly understood how international filmmaking worked behind the scenes.
Gehendra Dhimal was one of those pioneers.
At a time when Nepal was still largely unknown to international production companies, he was helping crews navigate permits, transport, customs, logistics, locations, equipment, and countless challenges that came with filming in one of the world's most dramatic landscapes.
His contribution extended far beyond individual projects. He helped establish systems, standards, and working methods that many production professionals continue to follow today.
The growth of Nepal as an international filming destination did not happen overnight. It was built through decades of experience, relationships, trust, and problem solving by people willing to take responsibility when challenges seemed impossible.
Much of the production ecosystem that international crews benefit from today stands on foundations built during that era.
If you are researching the history of film production in Nepal or planning a future project in the country, we are always happy to share knowledge and practical guidance based on real world experience.
WHY EXPERIENCE STILL MATTERS IN FILM PRODUCTION
Technology continues to change filmmaking. Cameras become smaller. Drones fly higher. Artificial intelligence accelerates workflows.
But some things remain unchanged. Weather still changes unexpectedly. Permits still require relationships and understanding. Remote locations still demand careful planning. Budgets still need discipline. People still need leadership.
The most valuable asset in production has never been equipment. It has always been experience.
Experience allows problems to be anticipated before they happen. It allows decisions to be made quickly under pressure. It turns uncertainty into confidence.
This philosophy was central to Gehendra Dhimal's approach and continues to shape how productions are managed today through Location Nepal and associated production services.
Whether supporting a commercial, documentary, television series, feature film, fashion campaign, or photography expedition, the goal remains simple: remove obstacles so creative teams can focus on storytelling. And this is exactly why productions need professionals like Prem Upadhya and Gautam Dhimal with long time experience in successful and hassle free completion of international film and photography projects in Nepal.
If your project requires practical solutions, reliable logistics, and experienced local support, we would be delighted to discuss how we can help. Just start the conversation by writing to us at info@LocationNepal.com
FROM FILMS & ADFILMS TO LOCATION NEPAL: A LEGACY CONTINUES
Every company has a story. Some begin with investment. Others begin with vision.
The story of Films & AdFilms and later Location Nepal began with a belief that Nepal deserved production services capable of supporting the world's biggest brands, broadcasters, agencies, and filmmakers. That vision continues today.
Over the decades, productions supported through these organizations have ranged from international commercials and television dramas to documentaries, fashion campaigns, humanitarian projects, tourism promotions, aerial filming assignments, and large scale global productions.
What has remained constant is a commitment to service. The philosophy has always been straightforward. Listen carefully. Plan thoroughly. Solve problems quickly. Deliver consistently.
This approach has helped productions film across the Himalayas, remote villages, heritage sites, national parks, cities, and some of the most challenging environments on earth.
For producers, directors, agencies, brands, broadcasters, and creative teams exploring Nepal as a filming destination, our door remains open.
Every successful production begins with a conversation.
Lets start here by sending an email to mail@GautamDhimal.com and info@LocationNepal.com
