A special screening of the short film Opang will be held as a fundraising event to support the ‘My Child From Wild’ initiative of the Himalayan Zoological Park. The event, jointly presented by Amitabha School and the conservation campaign, will contribute all ticket proceeds toward efforts focused on zoo animal welfare and conservation education.
The film stars 15-year-old Rigdzin Dorjee Serdup in the lead role. A student from the region, Rigdzin has been recognised for his performance at various international film festivals where Opang was officially selected for screening. He is also part of the zoo’s adoption programme and has committed the entire earnings from the premiere to the campaign.
Opang was filmed in Gnathang Valley in East Sikkim, against the backdrop of a fictional village situated near a conflict zone. The story follows a 12-year-old boy who remains behind in his village while most of its residents, including his father, are sent to the frontlines of a war. The boy steps into his father’s role as the local postmaster, a job that includes receiving weekly letters from the military. As the only one in the village who can read, he takes on the responsibility of delivering messages to the community.
Many of the letters carry grim news—death notices from the front. Rather than sharing the contents, the boy creates imagined stories of hope to protect the villagers from the harsh realities of war. In return, he receives small pieces of bread, which help him survive. During this time, he attempts to befriend a stray dog, believed to belong to someone also sent to the battlefield. Although the dog remains distant, the boy continues to offer food and names in an effort to form a bond.
As the story unfolds, the village is struck by air raids, bringing devastation and uncertainty. The film ends with unresolved questions: whether the boy and the dog survive, and whether they will find each other again.
The My Child From Wild initiative, under which this event is being held, allows individuals to adopt any of 85 animals from 19 different species. The campaign aims to increase public involvement in wildlife care, raise awareness, and build a stronger connection between communities and conservation.
