Capturing a Legacy: Filming the Dr. Norboo Documentary in Ladakh

​In July 2026, the ATMA team embarked on a deeply meaningful project alongside our ongoing medical outreach across the high-altitude passes of Ladakh. We were joined by Sampreeth Rao, Amir Ali, and Nidhi Panwar who, alongside ATMA Lead Indy Sahota, set out to film a documentary honouring the extraordinary life and work of our long-standing regional partner, Dr. Tsering Norboo.

Dr. Norboo has spent his entire life in service to the people of Ladakh. After decades of dedicated service as a specialist physician in the public healthcare system until his retirement at 65, his commitment to his community never wavered. Instead, he channeled his energy into founding the Ladakh Institute of Prevention, continuing to safeguard community health through preventative medicine and regional health advocacy.

Bringing this story to light required a unique blend of clinical understanding and visual storytelling. Both Sam and Amir bring exceptional expertise to the project - balancing their clinical careers as emergency physicians in Toronto with strong backgrounds in filmmaking. Having their artistic direction, technical skill, and enthusiasm on the ground was crucial to turning this vision into a reality. Together with Nidhi’s background in journalism and narrative crafting (and overall positive vibes!), the team was well equipped to capture this important story. While in the field, the team captured vivid footage of ATMA’s mobile medical camps in action across remote Himalayan villages, framed against intimate interviews with Dr. Norboo, his colleagues, friends, and family.

Through this documentary, we hope to preserve the legacy of a true pioneer in Himalayan healthcare. Beyond honouring Dr. Norboo, our hope is that his story serves as a lasting source of inspiration - not only for the next generation of healthcare providers, but for anyone working to uplift and care for their community.

We are now in the post-production phase and working hard to have this released, potentially sometime next year. We will keep everyone posted via the website and social channels!