Nepali Times

Makeshift lives

Makeshift lives: Shelter is a documentary based on the lives of slum dweller Meena Basnet and her daughter Nirjala. Meena recounts how she came to the capital from Udaypur, became a widow soon after her marriage, and gave birth to Nirjala in a field. Nirjala, meanwhile, has converted to Christianity, much to the disapproval of her mother, but does well at school as long as her mother can pay her exam fees.

Amidst this tale of grinding poverty and faint hope, the men in power in Kathmandu rouse the emotions of the poor, while the government decides to bulldoze the slums of Thapathali. What will become of Meena and Nirjala?

1 February, 1.45 to 3pm, free entry
Sarwanam Theatre, Kalikasthan, 9841526593Chhaproma, the screening of this new trilogy of short films will be followed by discussion with acclaimed filmmaker Tsering Rhitar Sherpa on independent filmmaking. 1 February, 11.45am to 2pm, Martin Chautari, 9841442228

Everyday epiphanies, an exhibition of photographs on Nepal by Frederic Lecloux. 31 January to 13 February, 10am to 6pm, Sundays to Fridays, Alliance Francaise, Tripureswor

Podcasting and audio storytelling workshop, learn how to develop, produce, and edit a compelling and dynamic audio story and reach a wider audience through the internet. Rs 1,000, 13 to 27 February, Sattya Media Arts Collective, Jawalakhel

Earth, body, mind, find all the Nepali artists’ work from the recently held Kathmandu International Art Festival in one place. 30 January to 13 February, Siddhartha Art Gallery, Babarmahal

Public speaking and personality development, an opportunity to master the skills required for a gregarious public life taught by media personality Malvika Subba. Rs 3000, Rs 2000 for students, 1 to 3 February, 11am to 1pm, Umanga Hall, Indreni Food Land, New Baneswor, 9851001569

Theatre training, gain a comprehensive grounding in the performing arts. 1 February to 29 April, Sushila Arts Academy, (01)4015643, www.sushilaartsacademy.com

Aesthetics in photography, a five-day photography workshop with Norwegian photographer Morten Krogvold. 6 to 10 February, apply by 25 January, www.photocircle.com.np

Pondering moments, an exhibition of paintings by artist Seema Acharya. 3 to 8 February, Imago Dei, Naxal, 9841038675

Nepal International Indigenous Film Festival, the seventh edition of the annual NIIFF will explore issues related to Nepal’s minority. 25 to 28 April, City Hall, Nepal Tourism Board, Exhibition Road, (01)4102577, [email protected], www.ifanepal.org.np