A prominent voice in the upcoming animated feature 'Lost in Mandala' will be none other than Kai Cech, recognized for her role opposite Jack Black in 'Dear Santa.' This marks a significant milestone for Incessant Rain Studios, as 'Lost in Mandala' is their debut animated film, currently in its pre-production phase.
Cech is set to portray Shanti, a solitary 12-year-old who grew up within the confines of an isolated monastery nestled in the Himalayas. Shanti's journey begins when she and her companions are inadvertently drawn into an enchanted world concealed within a sacred mandala. This new environment initially offers her a profound sense of belonging she has long yearned for, but appearances can be deceptive. The illusion of belonging soon shatters, as a malevolent power threatens this mystical realm. To return home, Shanti must confront her past and conquer a formidable demon through the power of compassion.
Speaking about her involvement, Cech expressed a deep connection to the film's central themes. She highlighted her parents' emphasis on kindness and empathy as superpowers, resonating with Shanti's need to discover inner strength through compassion, balance, and mindfulness. Cech also underlined the story's exploration of friendship and the collective effort to understand one's true identity and priorities. Furthermore, she conveyed her excitement about contributing to Nepal's first globally distributed animated feature and collaborating with such a skilled creative team. The film's creator and director, Kiran Bhakta Joshi, a former visual effects supervisor at Disney with credits on classics like 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' and 'The Lion King,' aims to blend international film expertise with local production capabilities, presenting a significant leap for Nepal's creative industry. Joshi himself drew inspiration from his Nepali upbringing, surrounded by rich mythology, folklore, and cultural traditions, especially his childhood fascination with creating mandalas. He hopes to bring this enchanting world to life in a narrative that is both deeply rooted in culture and universally appealing, praising Cech's ability to embody Shanti and acknowledging the invaluable contributions of screenwriters Zack Stentz and Christopher Jenkins, and Richard Chavez in realizing this vision for a global audience. Zack Stentz, known for 'Thor' and 'X-Men: First Class,' described the film as a tribute to Nepal's rich yet often overlooked culture, presented through the adventures of a spirited girl and her loyal companions in a magical land. Christopher Jenkins, an Oscar nominee for 'Surf's Up,' detailed the immersive experience of the mandala, where logic bends and emotions shape the landscape. His goal was to craft a mind-bending, topsy-turvy odyssey that combines the Himalayas' profound spirituality with an unprecedented, high-stakes fantasy world. The executive producers include Joshi, Stentz, Jenkins, and Nakim Uddin, with Deepa Chipalu Joshi serving as producer and Richard Chavez ('The Prince of Egypt') as production designer. NIBL Equity Partners is also a production partner.
The collaborative endeavor of 'Lost in Mandala' promises an enriching and visually stunning narrative that champions empathy, self-discovery, and cultural appreciation. By merging the imaginative talents of Hollywood veterans with the vibrant heritage of Nepal, the film is poised to deliver a unique and inspiring cinematic experience. This production not only highlights the growing global reach of animated storytelling but also underscores the universal themes that unite humanity, reminding us of the power of compassion in overcoming adversity and fostering personal growth.
