KATHMANDU, Dec 20: The film ‘Together Apart’ was showcased on Wednesday at IOM’s 3rd Global Migration Film Festival (GMFF) in Kathmandu. The film portrayed lives that closely resembled some 2.5 million Nepali migrant workers who work abroad to provide support for their families back home

According to a press statement released by GMFF, IOM on behalf of the United Nations Country Team and in collaboration with the Nepal Human Rights International Film Festival (NHRIFF) and Oscar International College hosted the screening.
It was followed by a panel discussion by representatives from the government, UN agencies and civil society. The discussion was based on the challenges and opportunities of Nepali labor migration. A returned migrant, Shreekrishna Adhikari, also described his experiences abroad and successful reintegration.  

IOM Nepal Chief of Mission and panelist Paul Norton described the film as “powerful and moving.” “Migrants sacrifice the joy of togetherness with family and friends while chasing their dreams. Sending and host governments both benefit from their migration and therefore bear responsibility to ensure that their rights and dignity are protected throughout the migration cycle,” the press statement quoted him.

IOM’s 3rd Global Migration Film Festival began on November 28 and ended on Wednesday on International Migrants Day – celebrated annually on December 18. It added that over 40 films were officially selected from nearly 800 entries and screened worldwide for the film festival.