Kathmandu, April 29

On Wednesday, filmmakers have taken to the streets in defence of freedom of expression.

The protest was attended by actors Swastima Khadka and Rabindra Singh Baniya, Film Association president Narendra Maharjan, Film Producers Association president Uday Subba, and filmmakers Khagendra Lamichhane, Manoj Pandit, Ashok Sharma, and Ganesh Dev Pandey, among others.

They raised their voices in support of artistic freedom.

Placards with slogans such as “Let cinema speak, let literature be heard, bring out our true stories,” “Let cinema and literature speak, let our stories unfold,” and “The dignity granted by the constitution is our stand, all castes, religions, communities, we remain ever vigilant” were displayed.

The Patan High Court on Tuesday had ordered a halt to the screening of the film Lalibazar until May 5. The film, directed by Yam Thapa, had been set for release on May 1.

The case was filed by Roshani Nepali on behalf of the Badi community, alleging that certain words in the film wounded the community’s self-respect.

Hearing the matter, a single bench of Patan High Court judge Prakash Dhungana issued the order to suspend the screening until April 5.

The film, produced by Shatkona Arts, is based on the struggles of women from the Badi community.

Just on Monday, the Central Board of Film Censors had already granted the film a Universal certificate.