KATHMANDU, April 29: Artists took to the streets at Maitighar Mandala in Kathmandu on Wednesday, staging a peaceful protest against the last-minute halt on the screening of the Nepali film Lalibazar and calling for the protection of freedom of expression.
The demonstration comes after the Patan High Court issued an interim order on Tuesday, stopping the film’s release just three days ahead of its scheduled screening on May 1 (Baishak 18). The order has drawn criticism from filmmakers, who say the decision was taken without broader consultation and sets a troubling precedent for artistic freedom.
Expressing solidarity, the Nepal Film Producers' Association, Nepal Motion Picture Association, and the Film Directors’ Guild of Nepal described the court’s move as one-sided and warned of its potential impact on creative independence.
'Film censor against creativity and expression'
In a symbolic show of dissent, artists wore black armbands and observed a 15-minute silent protest.
Speaking at the gathering, industry leaders including Nepal Film Producers Association President Uday Subba, General Secretary Khagendra Lamichhane, Nepal Motion Picture Association President Narendra Maharjan, and Film Directors’ Guild President Janakdeep Parajuli, along with directors Ashok Sharma, Manoj Pandit, Ganesh Dev Pandey, Nischal Basnet, Suyog Gurung, and Raunak Bikram Kandel, stressed the need to assess the film’s content before drawing conclusions.
Meanwhile, the bench has scheduled a hearing for May 5 on the interim order, stating it will hear arguments from both sides before deciding whether to continue the restriction.
Roshani Nepali had filed a writ at the court, claiming that the film portrays the community in a derogatory manner and justifies discrimination.
The film had received censor board clearance only on Monday.
