GCN, Butterfly Films hold special screening of 'Laalima' at Eyeplex Mall in Kathmandu

KATHMANDU: Global Compact Nepal (GCN), in collaboration with Butterfly Films and The Blue Butterfly Foundation, held a fundraising screening of Nepali film 'Laalima' at One Cinemas, Eyeplex Mall, Baneshwor on Thursday. The event aimed to raise funds for an accessible screening of Jaari.

The film, directed by Roshan Miraj, draws on the experiences of more than 3,000 sex workers across Nepal and explores themes of survival and dignity. The ticket proceeds will fund a screening of 'Jaari' with Nepali Sign Language interpretation for members of the hard-of-hearing community.

The evening opened with a meet-and-greet attended by Jenish Pahari, Managing Director of Butterfly Films; Srijan Shrestha, President of the Blue Butterfly Foundation; the lead actress of Laalima; and representatives from GCN, including Krishna Shah, Executive Director; Rashmi KC, Program Manager; and Rajshree Karki, Associate.

During the session, organisers said the event created space for discussion on inclusive cinema, accessible storytelling and the role of creative partnerships in raising social awareness. The lead actress reflected on the emotional depth of the film and the importance of bringing stories about marginalised lives into public view.

The screening drew participants from private sector, civil society, development organisations, youth networks, media and the creative industry, with more than 100 people in attendance. Event materials highlighted the need to expand accessible entertainment and to ensure cultural venues are welcoming to persons with disabilities.

Butterfly Films is an authorised distributor of Hollywood and Japanese films in Nepal, and a member of GCN, the country network of the United Nations Global Compact. Likewise, The Blue Butterfly Foundation works to use arts and culture for inclusion and community development through its 'Entertainment with Purpose' initiative.