Emerging female filmmakers shine at Women Make Films 2025 screening
23 July 2025Eight young women from across Nepal are bringing stories of courage and hope to the screen through Women Make Films 2025. Last week, their powerful short documentaries premiered, amplifying girls’ voices and showcasing the power of young female storytellers.
We are thrilled to announce the screening of 5 powerful short documentaries produced by emerging female filmmakers under the Women Make Films 2025 initiative, a collaboration between Plan International Nepal, YUWA, Shanta Nepali Films, and Nepali Female Filmmakers.
Eight young filmmakers have captured real-life stories of courage, resilience, and hope, reflecting the lived experiences of girls and young women from Dhanusha and Sindhuli to Bardiya and Jumla, who are part of transformative programmes led by us and our partner organisations.
With mentorship from national and international experts, the filmmakers received full production and post-production support, leading to the creation of 5 short films (under 10 minutes) now ready for screening and submission to national and international film festivals.
Last Friday, we hosted the premiere, offering a platform for the filmmakers to share their stories with a wider audience and celebrate their creative journeys.
“At Plan International Nepal, we believe in the power of storytelling to drive social change. Women Make Films is more than just a filmmaking initiative; it is a platform for young women to lead, create, and own their narratives, amplifying the voices and realities of girls and young women across Nepal,” said Prasen Jit Khati, Influencing, Communication and Campaign Director at Plan International Nepal. “Seeing these emerging filmmakers step into their power, travel across the country, and bring these deeply rooted stories to life has been truly inspiring. It reaffirms our commitment to nurturing young leaders who can shape a more equal and just future through their creativity and courage.”
“At Plan International Nepal, we believe in the power of storytelling to drive social change. Women Make Films is more than just a filmmaking initiative; it is a platform for young women to lead, create, and own their narratives, amplifying the voices and realities of girls and young women across Nepal.”
Prasen Jit Khati, Influencing Communication and Campaign Director, Plan International Nepal
The films and their stories
Mantutiya by Bisestha and Shreeti
Synopsis: In a quiet village in Dhanusha district, a girl named Mantutiya grows up under the weight of a name that means “heartbreaker,” marking her as unwanted from birth. Denied education and told freedom is not hers to dream of, Mantutiya moves to Janakpur to work as a housekeeper, reclaiming her dignity and hope. She begins to rewrite her story, looking toward the future with quiet determination, ready to break free from the past.
Chadani by Kritika
Synopsis: In Bardiya, 24-year-old Chadani Thapa cuts hair for men in a community where female barbers are rare. Living away from her family, she builds a life of routine and resilience while navigating the emotional distance from her loved ones. Through quiet everyday moments, Chadani’s story is one of carving out space for herself and embracing her independence in a male-dominated trade, her solitude becoming a quiet rebellion.
Past the Gate by Aishwarya and Khusi
Synopsis: In sun-scorched Bardiya, 25-year-old Nirma balances motherhood and farming while vivid dreams of her past as a student and hopes of becoming an agro-entrepreneur linger. Her young daughter becomes the thread binding her dreams to reality, as Nirma navigates regrets of lost education and aspirations for a better future. Past the Gate offers an intimate window into a woman’s journey to rebuild her life and nurture dreams for her daughter to carry forward.
A Farewell to Arm by Sabina and Mishlin
Synopsis: After losing one hand in an electric pole accident, 21-year-old Sher Bahadur returns to his southeastern Nepal village to start a poultry farm, leaving behind his dreams of city life in Kathmandu. Although he misses his friends and the city’s energy, he is determined to build a future at home, exploring business opportunities to create a meaningful life. His journey is a testament to resilience, transformation, and the courage to let go of what was once held dear.
Joon ko Chhaya (Shadow of the Moon) by Durga
Synopsis: In Jumla, a 16-year-old girl is forced into isolation during menstruation due to traditional taboos. After fetching water, she is sent to a room to isolate herself, reflecting on societal pressures she endures. She meets a friend who lives in a cowshed during her period, and together, they share a fleeting moment of freedom away from oppressive traditions. The film concludes with the girls playing together, symbolising hope for change amidst cultural constraints, with the moon’s shadow representing the cyclical challenges and quiet hope they hold.
“After months of dreaming and creating, I’m so happy to share our film,” said Shreeti, co-director of Mantutiya. “This film taught me what it means to truly listen and to tell a story with care. It is a story of one young woman in Madhesh, but it speaks to so many others. That’s why we believed in it, and that’s why we made it.”
“This film taught me what it means to truly listen and to tell a story with care. It is a story of one young woman in Madhesh, but it speaks to so many others. That’s why we believed in it, and that’s why we made it.”
Shreeti, Co-director, Mantutiya
The screening was a collective moment of pride, celebrating these young women who traveled across Nepal to capture these stories before returning to craft them together. Each film offers a window into the lives of young people working toward a more equal future, echoing our commitment to empowering girls and young women to lead change within their communities.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended the screening and supported these talented filmmakers, as well as to the teams at YUWA, Shanta Nepali Films, and Nepali Female Filmmakers for making this initiative possible. Together, we will continue creating opportunities for young women in filmmaking, fostering leadership, creativity, and solidarity within Nepal’s growing community of female storytellers.
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