Ashish Shrestha

Threading the American Dream

a short film by Ashish Shrestha

This film follows the journey of a Nepali immigrant entrepreneur, Dipa Bhattarai, who came to the University of Mississippi as an international student. During her studies, Bhattarai starts a threading business. When she is forced to close her business because of arbitrary laws, she fights back and changes Mississippi law.

Biography

From the majestic landscapes of Nepal to the diverse communities that adorn its countryside, I, Ashish Shrestha, have always found inspiration in the uncharted terrains of my homeland. As a passionate filmmaker and avid traveler from Nepal, my journey began shortly after earning my Bachelor’s degree, when I ventured into the rural and Himalayan regions of Nepal. The sheer diversity of people, cultures, and landscapes I encountered sparked a fervent desire within me to share these unique stories with the world.

Self-taught through the resources available on the internet and insights from friends, I honed my skills in filmmaking, with a particular focus on cinematography and editing. My work is driven by a commitment to enhance my storytelling abilities, aiming to bring the untold stories of Nepal to a global audience.

An ardent lover of the outdoors, I relish the opportunity to explore new places, cuisines, cultures, and meet new people, continually broadening my horizon and deepening my work. As I continue to grow in my career, I am eager to refine my craft, seeking to capture and portray the nuanced beauty of the world through the lens of my camera.

Film Work

Further Accomplishments

2026

RiverRun International Film Festival Pitch Competition – awarded first place for his MFA thesis film Threading the American Dream.

Southern Studies Conference at AUM – awarded first place for Artistic Presentation for his MFA Thesis film Threading the American Dream.