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Empowering Women in Animation: The WIA Nepal Chapter

In a significant stride towards gender equity in the animation industry, Women in Animation (WIA) proudly announces the establishment of its Nepal chapter, marking its inaugural venture into South Asia. With a mission to advocate for gender equality within the realms of animation, VFX, and video games, WIA Nepal is set to make waves in promoting diversity and inclusion on a global scale. As source said, WIA Nepal Becomes 1st Women in Animation Affiliate in South Asia .

At the helm of WIA Nepal stands filmmaker and Board President Sampada Malla, whose vision is to nurture young Nepali women and illuminate the plethora of career opportunities in animation and visual effects. The chapter’s primary objective is to dismantle barriers to entry by offering educational scholarships and support, thus paving the way for aspiring female artists to thrive in the industry.

Initiated by Kiran Bhakta Joshi and Deepa Chipalu Joshi, co-CEOs of Incessant Rain, a prominent animation studio based in Kathmandu, WIA Nepal has garnered pivotal financial and developmental sponsorship from its inception. Deepa Chipalu Joshi emphasizes the significance of advocacy, mentorship, and education as catalysts for fostering a gender-balanced animation landscape in Nepal.

Comprising a dedicated team of professionals, the WIA Nepal Board of Directors includes

Sampada Malla, President

Shrijana Shrestha, Secretary

Babita Giri, Director

Prabhakar Maharjan, Director

Sanchita Lama, Director

Special Advisors

Kiran Bhakta Joshi, Incessant Rain Studios

Deepa Chipalu Joshi, Incessant Rain Studios

 

Together, they envision a future where women and nonbinary creatives in Nepal have equal opportunities to showcase their talents and contribute to the industry’s growth.

Marge Dean, President of WIA, expresses optimism about the partnership’s potential to champion gender equity not only within Nepal’s animation community but also on a broader industry scale. As WIA Nepal embarks on its journey, supported by the global WIA network, it sets a precedent for collaborative efforts in advancing inclusivity and representation in animation worldwide.

Incessant Rain, with its headquarters in Kathmandu and California, has played a pivotal role in shaping the animation landscape with notable projects like Angry Birds, LEGO Batman, and Mr. Robot. Through its collaboration with WIA Nepal, the studio reaffirms its commitment to fostering a diverse and equitable creative environment both locally and internationally.

As WIA Nepal takes its first steps towards empowerment and advocacy, it heralds a new era of opportunity and representation for women in animation, setting the stage for a more inclusive and vibrant industry landscape in Nepal and beyond.

More About WIA Nepal 

About Baucha O maicha

1. Introduction to Baucha O Maicha: Baucha O Maicha, meaning “The Boy” and “The Girl” in the Newari language, are fictional characters crafted by Bigyan Prajapati and his team. Through their tales, they shed light on various aspects of Newar cultures, traditions, and lifestyles in Nepal. These characters serve as a bridge connecting the past and present of the Newar community, offering insights into their rich heritage.

2. The Newar Community: The Newars are the indigenous inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley and its surrounding regions in Nepal. They have played a pivotal role in shaping the historical heritage and civilization of the area. Linguistically and culturally diverse, the Newars primarily follow Hinduism and Buddhism, with Nepal Bhasa as their common language. Their urban civilization, characterized by a unique division of labor, is renowned for its sophistication and has left a lasting impact on the Himalayan foothills.

3. Baucha O Maicha’s Role: Baucha O Maicha, through illustrations, eye-catching graphics, and animations, serves as a medium to showcase Newar culture and traditions. These fictional characters offer a glimpse into the daily lives of the Newar people, both past and present. Moreover, they aim to foster social awareness and instill a sense of pride among Newar children regarding their cultural heritage.

4. Cultural Preservation and Awareness: In addition to entertaining storytelling, Baucha O Maicha endeavors to preserve and promote Newar culture. By depicting various customs, rituals, and lifestyle practices, these characters contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage. Furthermore, by targeting young audiences through audiovisual mediums, they play a crucial role in nurturing a sense of cultural identity and belonging among the Newar community.

5. Conclusion: Baucha O Maicha stands as a testament to the richness and diversity of Newar culture. Through their adventures and narratives, these fictional characters not only entertain but also educate and inspire. As guardians of Newar traditions, they serve as a beacon of cultural pride and heritage, ensuring that the legacy of the Newar people continues to thrive for generations to come.

About WIA Nepal: Empowering Women in Animation

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About WIA Nepal: Empowering Women in Animation

WIA Nepal is dedicated to creating pathways for women to achieve autonomy and fulfillment in their lives. With a steadfast commitment to gender equality, WIA Nepal endeavors to enhance women’s participation in the animation and visual effects industry. Through advocacy, education, and employment initiatives, WIA Nepal strives to amplify the voices of women in Nepal’s animation and visual effects sector.

At its core, WIA Nepal serves as a beacon of empowerment and inclusion, providing a global platform for individuals who are often marginalized or underrepresented. By offering opportunities, support, and resources, WIA Nepal empowers artists and technicians to thrive in their respective fields, fostering a community where diversity is celebrated and valued.

WIA Nepal collaborates with diverse stakeholders including the public sector, private sector, civil society, and development agencies to advance its mission. By forging partnerships and leveraging collective expertise, WIA Nepal aims to create a more equitable and vibrant animation industry in Nepal and beyond.

As a catalyst for change, WIA Nepal is dedicated to breaking down barriers and paving the way for women to flourish in the animation and visual effects industry. Through its multifaceted approach, WIA Nepal champions gender equality, empowerment, and opportunity for all.

Navigating Work Amidst Conflict: A Personal Perspective from Israel

 

Working in a foreign country is always a unique experience, bringing with it a mix of excitement, challenges, and cultural discoveries. However, working in a place like Israel during times of conflict, such as the ongoing tensions with Hamas, adds an additional layer of complexity to the daily routine.

In Israel, where the geopolitical landscape is marked by a history of conflict, the impact on the daily lives of its residents is palpable. The persistent sound of sirens, signaling potential threats, becomes a constant backdrop to the workday. The news reports are filled with updates on rising casualties and the ongoing struggle between Israel and Hamas, leaving many residents on edge.

One of the immediate challenges faced by expatriates working in Israel is adapting to the heightened security measures. Routine activities like commuting to work may involve navigating through checkpoints and being aware of emergency protocols. The atmosphere can be tense, with the ever-present awareness that the situation can escalate rapidly.

Despite these challenges, there is a remarkable resilience among the people working in Israel. The sense of solidarity and camaraderie becomes pronounced as colleagues come together to support one another. The workplace often transforms into a microcosm of unity, where individuals from diverse backgrounds find common ground in navigating shared difficulties.

The impact of the conflict on mental health cannot be understated. Constant exposure to news of violence and loss can take a toll on one’s emotional well-being. Employers often recognize the importance of providing resources and support to help employees cope with the stress associated with living and working in a conflict zone.

Yet, amidst the turmoil, there is also a sense of purpose for those working in Israel. Many feel a deep connection to the resilience of the people and the shared determination to overcome adversity. The work being done, whether in technology, healthcare, or other sectors, contributes to the collective effort to build a better future despite the challenges.

In conclusion, working in a foreign country during times of conflict, such as in Israel, presents a unique set of circumstances that demand adaptability, resilience, and a strong sense of community. The daily realities of sirens and news updates may be unsettling, but the collective spirit of those working in Israel often prevails, fostering a shared commitment to endure and rebuild in the face of adversity.

Farewell to SABBA, a Guardian Angel

SABBA, Its a grandfather in hebrew. He was an guardian Angel. He was a part of me on the journey of his last days .

In the quiet corridors of Sarei Zedek Hospital in Israel, I found myself bidding farewell to a soul whose kindness had woven itself into the fabric of my life. SABBA, The elderly gentleman I had cared for, a beacon of goodness and generosity, had embarked on his final journey.

As I stood by Sabba’s bedside, the sterile scent of the hospital mingling with the weight of imminent loss, memories flooded my mind like a bittersweet symphony. His eyes, once vibrant with life’s reflections, now closed in peaceful repose, signaling the end of an era.

Each day spent in his company was a lesson in compassion and resilience. His laughter, a melody that echoed through the mundane routines of caregiving, became a cherished soundtrack to the hours we shared. Yet, the inevitability of our final parting cast a shadow on those precious moments.

The hospital room, a silent witness to countless stories of hope and healing, now bore witness to the poignant farewell of a gentle soul. The harsh reality of mortality hung in the air, overshadowing the resilience that had defined his character.

As the final moments approached, a kaleidoscope of emotions swirled within me – gratitude for the privilege of being part of his journey, sorrow at the impending void, and a profound understanding that life’s tapestry is woven with threads of both joy and sorrow.

Saying goodbye was a testament to the profound impact he had on my life. The room seemed to echo with the unspoken words of shared experiences, a silent dialogue that transcended the limitations of spoken language. In that sacred moment, the veil between this world and the next felt thin, as if he were already embarking on a celestial voyage.

The journey of heaven awaited him, and as I stepped away from the hospital, I carried the weight of the inevitable separation. Yet, I also carried the indelible mark of his goodness, a legacy that would forever shape the way I approached life’s challenges.

In the corridors of Sarei Zedek Hospital, amidst the echoes of farewells and the whispers of healing, I said goodbye to a guardian angel who had graced my world. The lessons of love, kindness, and resilience he imparted would continue to illuminate my path, a luminous legacy left behind by a man whose spirit had taken flight into the boundless expanse of eternity.

A cartoonist is fired over Israeli PM Netanyahu cartoon

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British paper refuses to run Steve Bell’s latest cartoon showing PM preparing to cut Gaza-shaped incision in his abdomen, captioned ‘Residents of Gaza, get out now’
The Guardian newspaper has let go of its long-serving cartoonist, Steve Bell, because they refused to publish a cartoon of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Critics claimed the cartoon used antisemitic imagery. The Guardian stated that they decided not to renew Bell’s contract. Bell had been contributing to The Guardian since 1983, and some of his past cartoons were accused of including anti-Jewish stereotypes.

The cartoon in question, shared on social media by Bell, depicts Netanyahu holding a scalpel and preparing to cut a Gaza-shaped incision in his abdomen, with the caption “Residents of Gaza, get out now.” This seems to reference the military’s call for Gazans to flee to the south before a ground invasion aimed at eliminating the Hamas terror group. Bell denies evoking antisemitic stereotypes, explaining that it was inspired by a Vietnam War-era cartoon depicting then-US president Lyndon B. Johnson pointing at a Vietnam-shaped scar.

Bell has created caricatures of various British leaders in the past, using exaggerated and grotesque forms. The firing comes amid controversy over the cartoon’s alleged antisemitic elements.

The article also briefly mentions the conflict between Israel and Hamas on October 7, where Hamas militants attacked Israel, resulting in a significant number of casualties. Israel has pledged to eliminate Hamas while attempting to minimize harm to civilians.