Free of the phoney antics and false drama we take so much for granted that we barely notice it, "Himalaya" is as real as it gets, an appealing, mesmerising portrait of a world that few have visited, the north-west region of Nepal. Probably bringing yak-herding to the big screen for the very first time, "Himalaya" studies the poverty and perseverance of the local herders, in particular of ageing chief Tinle (played by real-life chief Thilen Lhondup) who first blames the young Pretender for the death of his son and secondly attacks him for his up-to-date notions of yak-herding. As a personal and social snub to the youngster, the crotchety old man insists on leading the yaks on their annual journey down savage ravines and up hostile, frozen mountain tops so that salt can be swapped for grain and he can prove that the old ways are best.

Director Eric Valli has as much interest in landscape as in character, and the two are always fused in a properly slow-moving, stately film which allows you to absorb every detail of a (to us) strange way of life. The subtle yet insistent drama is provided by the chief who makes his own personal journey from antagonism and prejudice to common sense and tolerance. His suppressed warmth, which finally rises to the surface, is effectively at odds with his snowy death. All credit to French director Eric Valli who, since he has lived in Nepal for seventeen years, clearly has a deep sensitivity for the region and its people, and the talent to bring its uniqueness, dangers and beauty to the screen.