KATHMANDU: National women’s football team captain and goalkeeper, Angela Tumbapo Subba, has said that the path has been paved not only for films about her life but also for those about other athletes.

At a press conference to release the trailer of the film Anjila, which tells the story of her life, Angela expressed that many athletes have achieved success through struggle, and films should be made about them as well.

During the event, Angela mentioned there are many names she will never forget, one of them being director Milan Chams. “I will never forget Milan brother for the rest of my life. I used to be afraid of him, but now I feel like he is my own brother. I am leaving my story in his hands. I am grateful from the bottom of my heart.”

She further shared, “I never thought I would act in a film with Dayahang Rai. He used to watch the game whenever it was broadcast and was dedicated to the sport.”

Angela also thanked producer Prem Kumar Shrestha, who she credits as her godfather and guide since her arrival in Kathmandu. “I am on the path I am on today because of him. The path has been paved for films to be made not only for me but also for other players.”

Angela expressed that she didn’t find the filming difficult, saying, “I used to carry 60 kilos of rice when I was 13.”

Actor and producer Shrestha shared that in this film, the story of Anjila is more important than football itself. Actor Dayahang Rai, a fan of every Nepali game and a big supporter of the women’s football team, said, “When I heard that a film about the captain was being made, I agreed to work without even knowing what the role was. I will be indebted to him for the rest of my life.”

Director Chams mentioned that many national players had roles in the film, adding that getting non-actors to act is very challenging. He also shared that they had to wait two years for actor Rai to take part.

Chams further explained that some details were revealed in the trailer because he felt the audience should know more before watching the full film.

Anjila tells the story of Angela’s struggle to fulfill her dream of becoming a player, from her birthplace to Kathmandu. The film is set to release on Falgun 29.