GUNYO CHOLO
Genre: Drama / Family
Dev/Gulabi (Najir Husen), the only son of a retired Army General, is raised to follow in his father's footsteps. Desperate for his approval, he repeatedly tries to join the army but fails. As he struggles with his true identity, his father's frustration turns to fury when he discovers Gulabi's desire to become a trans woman, ultimately disowning him. Despite this, Dev is deeply loved by his mother, (Sanchita Luitel), who embraces him unconditionally. However, bound by tradition and fear of defying her husband, she remains silent, torn between her love for her child and loyalty to her husband. Heartbroken, Dev is banished from his village home and thrust into the harsh realities of city life in Kathmandu. There, she (Gulabi) finds solace in the trans community and becomes part of a family of sex-working trans women. Yet, in a society that refuses to accept them, they must constantly fight for recognition, dignity, and a place to call their own. (Gunyo Cholo is a traditional dress worn by girls in the Nepali culture that marks the 'coming of age).
Director: Samundra Bhatta
Producers: V. Vansay Zanubon, p.g.a. Aakash Budhathoki, p.g.a.
Executive Producers: Rithy Panh Steven Johnston Jeffrey Waine
Writers: Samundra Bhatta Najir Husen V. Vansay Zanubon
Music Composers: Marcello De Francisci Vocal by Lisa Gerrad
Filming Date: Completed
Post-Production Date: Completed
Release Date: August 29, 2025 in Nepal
January 2026 in Cambodia
Filming Location: Nepal
Distributor: Apple Entertainment, Abnormal Studios
COMING SOON
In Development
Following the international momentum of Gunyo Cholo: The Dress, our production team is actively developing a slate of new feature films across Asia and the U.S., continuing our commitment to stories that resonate across cultures:
- Cambodia: A biographical feature based on true events, telling the story of an individual whose journey transcends the rich culture and enduring values of Cambodia. This emotionally powerful project is designed to resonate deeply with audiences and move people around the world.
- Philippines / USA: A compelling drama following a young girl growing up in poverty and her mother’s struggle to bring her children to the U.S. Through resilience and determination, the girl builds an enterprise dedicated to helping others during disasters, ultimately achieving her version of the American dream.
All projects are currently in script development and early pre-production, with a focus on international collaboration, regional talent, and music-driven storytelling. The team aims to continue building films that engage audiences worldwide while maintaining the distinctive aesthetic and cultural authenticity that defined Gunyo Cholo: The Dress.
