During South Asian Heritage Month, the documentary ‘Mother Kili' will have a special screening chronicling the inspiring adventure of a group of trailblazing South Asian amateur female climbers who embarked on an extraordinary journey to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro.
The expedition was organised by Rupinder Kaur who is a Founder of Asian Women MEAN Business. About the Documentary: ‘Mother Kili’ is directed by Rehmat Rayatt & Daisy Gaston and produced by Blue Fox Media. Crowdfunded to £80,000 by supportive community members who saw the need for this representation, the film is a celebration of diversity, strength, and the unyielding spirit of women who dare to dream big and achieve the impossible.
Speaking about the inspiration behind organising the expedition, Rupinder said, “The reason I organised this expedition is that climbing Mount Kilimanjaro had been a dream of mine for 20 years. Life got in the way, and it remained just a dream. When I began discussing it with other women, I discovered that many of them shared the same desire. So, I brought together a group of women and invited them to join me. I wanted this to be an opportunity for all of us to achieve something we had always dreamed of and to demonstrate to other women—and to our community—that it's possible.”
Rupinder emphasised that the trip required extensive planning over a year before their summer 2022 departure. She said, “Total 14 women joined us for the expedition. Training began in 2021, focusing on physical fitness for walking seven to eight hours daily. Monthly hikes across the UK were part of their regimen. We also practised camping with weekend trips to get used to sleeping in tents. To prepare for the final summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, which begins at midnight in complete darkness, we did a nighttime hike up Snowdon. The challenging hike in harsh weather conditions—proved to be tougher than the actual climb in Africa, but it was crucial for their preparation.”
Discussing how the expedition idea evolved into a documentary, Rupinder said, “While talking to the travel company, they mentioned they'd never had an all-South Asian female group attempt Kilimanjaro before. The owner, connected to South Asian culture, shared a story about a group of plus-size women who had a filmmaker document their climb, changing perceptions within their community. This conversation planted a seed in my mind. With our diverse group of South Asian women, ranging from their late 20s to 50s, I realised it would be incredible to document our journey to inspire others.
I reached out to Rehmat Rayatt, a South Asian filmmaker in the UK whose work I admired. She loved the idea and agreed to join us. We then estimated the costs, which amounted to £80,000, covering filmmakers, equipment, travel, editing, and post-production. Initially, I was naive about the costs, but we set up a crowdfunding campaign, gained sponsors and partners, and received individual donations. This strong community support brought the film to life.”
Rupinder underscored that South Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity to showcase various elements of their heritage. She said, “This year's theme, "Free to Be Me," resonates with the message of their film. Despite being mothers, wives, daughters, and daughter-in-laws with many responsibilities, it's crucial to embrace individuality. Taking two weeks to climb a mountain in Africa is something to be celebrated. I hope their journey inspires others in the community to pursue their own dreams and embrace their freedom.”
Experience of climbers at Mount Kilimanjaro
Climber Belinder Kaur said, “As a mother of three, my life is filled with cherished routines and responsibilities. However, I wanted to do something extraordinary to inspire my children and prove that it's never too late for new adventures. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro was the perfect opportunity to push my limits, experience nature's beauty, and demonstrate determination and resilience.”
“Working with the diverse group of climbers was enriching. Each of us brought unique strengths, and the camaraderie and support we shared were vital, especially during the climb's challenging parts. We bonded like family through shared stories, laughter, and encouragement”, she added.
Another climber who participated in the expedition, Simar Kaur Nyote said, “As I was about to turn 30, I wanted to do something meaningful and fulfilling, which motivated me to join the Kilimanjaro expedition. Climbing this mountain symbolised starting my 30s with energy and lessons from my 20s. This journey was not just about the climb to me but also about connecting with my heritage and Sikhi roots.”
“This expedition challenges traditional roles and perceptions of South Asian women by breaking stereotypes and demonstrating our strength, independence, and adventurous spirit. Often, single South Asian women face societal expectations that restrict their freedom, such as not travelling alone or embarking on adventurous holidays. By climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, we defied these norms and proved that we can excel in physically and mentally demanding challenges,” she added.
