Nepali film distributor and founder of Butterfly Films, Janish Pahadi, has been honored during the first International Film Festival held in Sikkim. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang honored her for her contribution to the Nepali film industry and promoting regional cooperation.

Pahadi, who was the only film distributor from Nepal to participate in the festival, actively participated in various important programs. She shared her views in panel discussions titled ‘Building the Future: Strengthening the Film Sector in Sikkim’ and ‘Producers’ Dialogue’.

In these discussions, there was a wide exchange of views among industry leaders on opportunities for cross-border production and co-production. On the occasion, Pahadi presented strategic suggestions that Sikkim can learn from Nepal’s model of sustainable and strong local film industry development.

Highlighting the development of Nepal’s film industry, she mentioned that the market has been expanded through the use of the Nepali diaspora spread across the world. She also said that Nepali films are showing a strong presence at the domestic box office and the audience’s attraction towards local content is increasing.

In addition, Pahadi also participated in a special closed-door roundtable discussion, where key stakeholders from the Sikkim government discussed the policy framework for strengthening the regional film sector and the possibilities of collaboration.

This participation is considered to have made a significant contribution towards strengthening cultural and cinematic ties between Nepal and India. Butterfly Films has been promoting regional stories and film industries internationally and acting as a bridge between the two countries, the company said in a statement.